United States: Hurricane Jose to impact northeast September 19-20

Event

Hurricane Jose, a Category 1 hurricane, is currently located 380 km (235 mi) east-northeast of Cape Hatteras (North Carolina) and moving north at 15 km/h (9 mph). The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for the coastline between Watch Hill (Rhode Island) and Hull (Massachusetts), as well as the islands of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island. In addition, a tropical storm watch is in effect for the coastline of Long Island from Fire Island Inlet to Port Jefferson as well as the area between New Haven (Connecticut) and Watch Hill (Rhode Island).

Although the hurricane is not expected to make landfall, tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch areas beginning late on Tuesday, September 19, and are expected in the warning areas beginning in the early hours of Wednesday. Hurricane Jose currently has maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph) and is expected to produce 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 inches) of rain over the areas of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod through September 20. Flooding is possible.

Context

The North Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and runs until the end of November. Powerful storms can hit the entire eastern seaboard throughout this period. The largest concentration of storms typically occurs between August and October.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities. In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.