Tropical-storm-force winds that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous are expected to reach Bermuda this afternoon or evening,” the National Hurricane Center said in its 5:00pm advisory.

“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”

It said at 5:00pm, the eye of Hurricane Paulette was located near latitude 30.6 North, longitude 63.1 West.

Paulette is moving toward the northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue through tonight.

Centre of Paulette forecast to move over Bermuda

According to the NHC, a turn toward the north with a decrease in forward speed is forecast on Monday, followed by a faster northeastward motion Monday night and Tuesday. “On the forecast track, the center of Paulette will move near or over Bermuda Monday morning.”

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts, the NHC added.

“Additional strengthening is forecast, and Paulette is expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it approaches Bermuda late tonight and early Monday. Some further strengthening is possible when Paulette turns northeastward and moves away from Bermuda late Monday through Monday night,” the NHC said.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 974 mb (28.77 inches).