Category-two Hurricane Bertha edged northward in the central Atlantic early Thursday posing a possible threat to Bermuda, the US National Hurricane Center said.
With sustained winds blowing at 165 kilometers (105 miles) per hour, at 5:00 am (0900 GMT) the first full hurricane of the 2008 season was located about 875 kilometers (545 miles) southeast of Bermuda.
The storm was moving in a northwesterly direction at 15 kilometers (nine miles) per hour and was expected to strengthen and turn in a more northerly direction in the next couple of days, the Miami-based NHC said.
Current projections show it passing well to the east of Bermuda on Sunday-Monday.
"It is still too early to determine the extent to which Bertha could impact Bermuda. Interests on that island should closely monitor the progress of Bertha during the next several days," the NHS said.
On Wednesday Bermuda's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) urged travelers not to let the storm dampen vacation plans to the popular holiday isles.
"It is anticipated that at that time (Sunday), Hurricane Bertha will weaken and Bermuda will only experience tropical storm winds, in which case Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport will remain open for travelers," the EMO said.
