A severe weather warning was issued this afternoon by the Bermuda Weather Service which was forecasting hurricane force gusts.

The 2pm forecast said: “Severe Weather Warning issued – strong to gale force winds gust storm to hurricane force this afternoon, as a vigorous front moves in from the west.

“Heavy rain and showers continue with isolated thunderstorms possible. Conditions gradually improve this evening as the front clears east, although it will remain showery and quite windy. Temperatures turn cooler tomorrow.”

The BWS 4.30pm forecast still contained a severe weather warning and said that tonight the winds will be south-southwesterly 25 to 35 knots with gusts to 45 knots, but soon easing 20 to 30 knots, and winds veering west-southwesterly at 18 to 24 knots overnight.

As of 4.30pm more than 3,200 homes were without power – see outages here. A map can be seen here also.

The full forecast can be found here with a list of warnings here