North Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Larry tracking north-northwestward in North Atlantic Ocean early Sept. 9 /update 4

Event

Hurricane Larry is tracking north-northwestward in the North Atlantic Ocean early Sept. 9. As of 05:00 AST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 385 km (240 miles) east-southeast of Bermuda. Forecast models indicate that the system is likely to turn northward as it makes an approach to Bermuda, likely passing to the east of the territory, the afternoon of Sept. 9. Larry is forecasted to gradually weaken as it tracks generally northward then northeastward across the North Atlantic Ocean through Sept 10 and make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane over far southeastern Newfoundland and Labrador Province, Canada late Sept. 10. After landfall, the system is forecast to weaken further as it tracks northeastward, transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone with tropical storm strength winds through the afternoon of Sept. 11 and approach southern Greenland early Sept. 12. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

Government Advisories
As of 05:00 Sept. 9, the Bermuda Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Bermuda. Officials may announce further weather advisories in the coming days as Larry approaches Bermuda. The Canadian Hurricane Centre has also issued the following watches and warnings:

• Hurricane Watch: Southeastern Newfoundland from St. Schotts to Pouch Cove.

• Tropical Storm Watch: Southeastern Newfoundland from Lamaline to the west of St. Schotts as well as from north of Pouch Cove to Bonavista.

Hazardous Conditions
Tropical storm conditions are likely to begin to impact Bermuda in the coming hours. Swells generated by Larry are forecast to impact the Leeward Islands, portions of the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and Bermuda through at least Sept. 12. Significant swells will likely impact parts of the US East Coast and Atlantic Canada Sept. 9-12.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities in Bermuda in the coming days. However, significant rainfall totals are unlikely. In addition to the heavy rain, flooding, and storm surge, the storm could produce damaging wind gusts, resulting in power outages due to uprooted trees and toppled utility lines.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas forecast to be impacted by the storm. Use caution in low-lying areas due to the high potential for flooding. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers.

Resources

US National Hurricane Center
National Weather Service
Bermuda Weather Service