Watch Live: Hurricane Melissa heads for Bermuda after causing devastation in Caribbean

Bermuda is facing a major hurricane threat with Hurricane Melissa projected to produce dangerous winds and a storm surge as a hurricane warning is in effect for the island. 

FOX Weather reports Melissa is forecast to track northeast into the Atlantic before brushing by Bermuda, avoiding a direct hit on the island.

RELATED: Watch Live: Hurricane Melissa death toll rises as storm heads for Bahamas

Citing the National Hurricane Center, FOX Weather noted that Melissa is projected to pass off the western side of Bermuda on Thursday with winds around 105 mph. 

Melissa is maintaining strength as a Category 2 hurricane as it exits the Bahamas and is forecast to pass just to the northwest of Bermuda from late Thursday into Friday morning.

Hurricane conditions and heavy rainfall are expected in Bermuda beginning late Thursday and through the night in the southeastern Bahamas, where dozens of people were evacuated.

The Associated Press reported that Melissa was forecast to pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and may strengthen further before weakening Friday.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, the hurricane was a Category 2 storm with top sustained winds near 105 mph Thursday morning and was moving north-northeast at 21 mph.

Hurricane Melissa death toll

Dig deeper:

Hurricane Melissa has claimed the lives of over a dozen people as it continues to pummel the Caribbean. 

• Dominican Republic: One dead
• Haiti: At least 25 people killed
• Jamaica: Eight dead

HurricanesSevere WeatherWorldNews