Bahamas: Tropical Storm Humberto forms September 13 /update 1

Event

A tropical depression moving towards the northwestern Bahamas strengthened to Tropical Storm Humberto on the night (local time) of Friday, September 13. The National Hurricane Center has issued Tropical Storm Warnings for the northwestern Bahamas except Andros Island. As of 23:00 on Friday, Humberto is located at approximately 25.6°N 75.2°W (map here), or 210 km (130 mi) from Great Abaco Island and is tracking northwest at 9 kph (6 mph). The storm has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph (40 mph) and is expected to continue to gradually strengthen to a hurricane by Monday, September 16, or Tuesday, September 17.

According to current forecasts, Humberto will pass by the Bahamas on Saturday, September 14, before turning northeast back into the Atlantic Ocean. Between 5-25 cm (2-4 in) of rainfall may hit the Bahamas, exacerbating current flooded conditions following the passage of Hurricane Dorian. Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the system over the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.