Post-tropical cyclone Milton — downgraded from its hurricane status — remained a potential threat to Bermuda and is expected to pass about 150 miles south of the island tonight.

Wet and windy conditions were forecast for the day ahead, with showers predicted to be heavy at times.

In its 6pm update, the Bermuda Weather Service said that Milton’s closest point of approach in the next 72 hours was expected to be at 10pm tonight, when the storm was forecast to be 150 miles to the island’s south.

The BWS noted that the Milton may move closer to the island after that time depending upon its track.

It warned that rainfall today could “disrupt Bermuda’s road infrastructure for a short period“ as happened on Wednesday.

The BWS wrote: “Seas become rough in the early hours of Friday morning and remain into Saturday before decreasing moderate overnight.”

It added that a small-craft warning was in effect throughout the period and said a thunderstorm advisory may be required.

Earlier, Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, warned residents to remain vigilant.

He said: "While the latest forecasts from the Bermuda Weather Service indicate that Hurricane Milton will significantly weaken and pass to the south of Bermuda, we must not become complacent.

"Weather systems are inherently unpredictable and can change suddenly. It is crucial that we remain prepared and informed.

“The Ministry of National Security reminds residents that hurricane season remains in effect until November 30 and it is essential to stay attentive to personal and family hurricane preparations.”

Mr Weeks encouraged residents to review and update their hurricane preparedness plans, check and restock hurricane supply kits, and stay informed by monitoring official weather updates from the Bermuda Weather Service.

Electricity provider Belco said its operations teams had met to co-ordinate preparations ahead of possible impacts from Milton.

Managing director Shelly Leman encouraged residents to be prepared and said that advice was available on the company’s website and social-media pages.

She said outages may occur from the impact of high winds on wires close to overgrown vegetation caused by recent wet weather.

Ms Leman said: “Year-round vegetation management by property owners is critical to ensuring minimal outages during storms.”

She noted: “While the time for arranging a scheduled power outage with Belco for property owners to trim their trees prior to Milton’s arrival has passed, customers are reminded that one of the most important actions residents can take to prepare for a storm is to ensure that trees on their property are clear of power lines.

“Ensuring that vegetation on private property remains ten feet away from power lines is the sole responsibility of property owners.”

Wayne Caines, the company’s president, pointed out although the storm had weakened and was expected to weaken further, forecasts could change.

He said: “We remain vigilant at Belco and prepared for any damage the storm may cause.”

Milton battered Florida after making landfall on Wednesday night when it was a Category 3 hurricane packing winds of 120mph with higher gusts, according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

Some news reports claimed there were at least nine storm-related deaths in the state.

It was initially feared that Milton would score a direct hit on the city of Tampa on the Gulf Coast, but it veered south before making landfall.

Nevertheless, the city recorded more than 16 inches of rain. Other parts of Florida experienced storm surges of up to seven feet, flooding many residential areas.

Forecasters have warned that the 2024 hurricane season would be busier than average, with the NHC predicting in August between 17 and 24 named storms, including eight to 13 hurricanes.

Of those storms, it was estimated that between four and seven would become major hurricanes, reaching at least Category 3 strength.

Hurricane Milton is the eighth hurricane and fourth major hurricane of the season, and the second to reach Category 5 strength after Hurricane Beryl in June.

Advice on hurricane preparedness can be found on the Government’s website.