HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) — Bermuda was keeping an eye on Hurricane Nicole that the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said was weakening a bit, while drifting southward.

The NHC said that the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour (mph) is drifting southward, and a slightly faster southward motion is expected Friday night and on Saturday.

The NHC said that additional weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

National Security Minister Jeff Baron said Bermuda’s Emergency Measures Organisation is keeping a close watch on the storm.

“This has been an extremely active hurricane season and this was predicted by meteorologist experts earlier this summer.

“We will continue to do our due diligence in monitoring Hurricane Nicole and convey any important safety updates as necessary to the public.

“In the meantime, as I have advocated all season, I encourage residents to ensure they have adequate storm supplies and to stay abreast of the latest weather forecasts,” he added.

The NHC said that hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles.

Tropical Storm Karl dumped around four inches of rain on Bermuda when it brushed the island late last month but it caused no serious damage.

Rainfall in Bermuda this year is more than 10 inches above normal.