Officials are confident that Hurricane Larry will have only a minor impact on the island in the next 24 hours.

Renée Ming, the minister for national security, made the announcement after a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organisation today.

Ms Ming said conditions would be similar to a winter gale as Larry was still on track to pass well to the east of Bermuda tomorrow. The storm, a Category 2 hurricane, is also weakening.

Ms Ming said: "The Bermuda Weather Service advised that a tropical storm warning is in effect as Hurricane Larry continues its track.

"The forecast remains relatively the same, with the hurricane predicted to pass well to our east on Thursday. It is also anticipated to weaken as it continues its northerly track.

"It's anticipated that conditions will be similar to a winter gale, particularly in the eastern marine area. Also, as this storm approaches, the conditions along the south shore beaches will be unsettled and dangerous.

“In that regard, the department of parks will be putting up ‘dangerous surf’ signs along the public beaches. So our public safety message continues to urge the public to use caution at our south shore beaches.

"At this stage, our advisories from yesterday remain the same. We do not anticipate any interruptions to Government services, and we continue to encourage residents to remain vigilant as we navigate through this very busy hurricane season.“

Ms Ming said the EMO may meet again this evening if the storm changed course.

The news came as the parks department said it had stood down the lifeguard service at beaches because of the sea conditions.

A spokesman said an announcement would be made when the service restarted.

Larry is 490 miles to the east-southeast of Bermuda. Its closest point of approach is predicted to be about 184 miles to the east early tomorrow afternoon.

The hurricane is expected to pack north-north-easterly winds of 23 to 34.5mph with gusts up to 57.5mph, particularly in the eastern marine area. Winds are expected to subside by evening.

The Corporation of Hamilton said services will run as normal tomorrow, including trash collection and that City Hall would be open as normal.

But a spokeswoman reminded businesses to secure their premises as a precaution.

The spokeswoman said: “Throughout the week, city crews have been prepping Hamilton for the storm – trimming trees, removing street furniture, banners, flags and planters, and ensuring that all city storm drains are clear.

“All city restaurants and businesses that currently use the wheelie bins provided by the city must secure their bins inside buildings or storage areas immediately after the last refuse collection before the storm’s anticipated closest point of approach.

“The public is reminded that bringing household trash from outer parishes and dumping it in the city is illegal. Anyone caught dumping trash may be prosecuted.”

City businesses and residents should check the corporation’s social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

Updates on the storm system are available at www.weather.bm