Heavy rain and strong winds were forecast for tonight as an area of low pressure had a chance of becoming a tropical depression.

The National Hurricane Centre in Miami reported on the system which was to Bermuda’s south-southeast.

Its 9pm update said: “Showers and thunderstorms have recently decreased in coverage and intensity near a well-defined low pressure area located about 60 miles south-southeast of Bermuda.

“However, earlier satellite wind data indicated the low was producing winds of 30 to 35mph confined closely to its centre.

“If the associated shower and thunderstorm activity redevelops near the centre, the system is likely to become a tropical depression tonight or tomorrow morning.

“After that time, the system is expected to turn northward and move towards cooler waters and a region of unfavourable upper-level winds, which should limit additional development.”

The report added: “Regardless of development, periods of locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected over Bermuda through tonight.”

It was estimated that there was a 70 per cent chance of cyclone formation in the next 48 hours.

A post on the BWS Facebook page said earlier: “Per the NHC, this depression is expected to be short lived.”

The Bermuda Weather Service forecast said tonight would be cloudy with a few showers and the chance of thunder.

Winds were expected to increase from moderate to “strong at times, with the rare gust to gale force, especially in and around showers”.

The outlook for Tuesday was: “Early cloud and showers around turns into a bright afternoon.

“Winds south-southwesterly moderate, gradually decreasing then backing southerly light to moderate overnight.”