Residents have been asked to secure items around their homes before stronger winds hit the island.

A Government spokeswoman said: “With the Bermuda Weather Service forecasting gale and storm force winds this week, the Ministry of National Security is advising residents to take the necessary safety precautions around their homes.

“This includes securing any lawn furniture, outdoor potted plants, garbage bins or any other items that can be blown around during the high winds.”

Renee Ming, the national security minister, reminded residents that the BWS forecasted gusts of up to 80mph on Thursday.

She added: “This is expected to be accompanied by heavy rain, thunder and hail in some instances.

“Public safety is key, and we’re encouraging residents to take the appropriate precautions to prevent potential injury or damage.”

Motorists were also asked to “exercise safety, care and caution” when using roads during the “inclement weather”.

The BWS website said today that showers will become “frequent and heavy” by Thursday afternoon.

It added that southwesterly winds will increasingly become gale force “with gusts storm force to hurricane force in the afternoon through evening while veering northwesterly”.

The gusts are expected to weaken overnight.