Gert has been upgraded from a tropical storm to a category one hurricane and is expected to reach its closest approach to Bermuda at 6am tomorrow.

At that time it is forecast to be 268 nautical miles to the north-northwest of the island but it could still move closer after that time.

At 6am today, maximum wind speeds were recorded as 65 knots with gusts of 80 knots compared to winds of 60 knots and gusts of 75 knots yesterday at 6pm.

Gert had been expected to reach its closest point at 9pm on Tuesday.

An advisory on Bermuda Weather Service’s website says: “Hurricane Gert is continuing to trek north between us and the US coast.

“The only local effects of Gert’s distant passage will be developing SW swells later today and breezier conditions early Wednesday through Thursday midday.

“Showers become likely later in the week as a cold front nears to our north.”