Bermuda under storm warning

At 8 a.m., Tropical Storm Maria was located about 615 miles south-southwest of Bermuda.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Wednesday September 14, 2011 - A tropical storm warning has been issued for Bermuda as Maria looks set to pass to the east of the small Caribbean island tomorrow.

At 8 a.m., Tropical Storm Maria was located about 615 miles south-southwest of Bermuda and 275 miles east-northeast of the southeastern Bahamas.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour and moving toward the north-northwest near 10 miles per hour.

“Maria is forecast to turn to the north later today with an increase in forward speed. A turn toward the north-northeast is expected on Thursday with a further increase in forward speed,” the National Hurricane Centre in Miami said.

“On the forecast track, the centre of Maria will pass west of Bermuda Thursday morning. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.”

Up to three inches of rain are expected across the island through to tomorrow morning and tropical storm wind conditions are expected by late tonight or early tomorrow. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)