Tropical Storm Arthur was this evening listed as a potential threat to Bermuda by weather forecasters.

The Bermuda Weather Service predicted the storm, which formed as a depression between Florida and the Bahamas yesterday, would make its closest approach to the island in three days at about 196 nautical miles north north-west on Wednesday at about 6pm.

But forecasters warned: “However, this system may move closer to Bermuda after this time period depending upon its track.”

The storm was moving north north-east at 8 knots with maximum sustained winds of 40 knots.

Arthur is the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, although the season does not have its official start until June 1.

The season ends on November 30.

Wayne Caines, the national security minister, said: “Against the backdrop of what we are dealing with as a country with Covid-19, I want to assure the community that we are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that Bermuda is storm ready and that our people are protected.

Mr Caines added: “Due to Covid-19, the Emergency Measures Organisation has been meeting on a regular basis, and tomorrow as part of our normally scheduled meeting, Tropical Storm Arthur will feature prominently in our discussions.”

He said: “Tropical Storm Arthur has kick started the season off early and it’s a timely reminder that we should all be sufficiently prepared.”

For information on the storm, visit www.weather.bm.