The Bahamas: Tropical warnings and watches in place for the Bahamas due to approaching storm system

Event

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a tropical storm warning for the southeastern Bahamas and a tropical storm warning for the central Bahamas due to the approach of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine on Wednesday, July 29. The warning is in place for the Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana, and the Ragged Islands. The watch covers Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. Those in the northeastern Bahamas are also advised by the NHC to monitor the storm system's progress. As of the latest update by the NHC at 14:00 (local time) on Wednesday, the storm system was bringing heavy rains to the Leeward Islands, the US and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. It was located 285 km (180 mi) south-southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and heading west-northwest at a speed of 37 kph (23 mph), carrying maximum sustained winds of 75 kph (45 mph). It is currently forecast to reach the Dominican Republic early on Thursday, July 30, before tracking over Hispaniola towards southern Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Bahamas through Thursday and into Friday morning, July 31. The storm could still strengthen into a tropical storm on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, upon which it will be named Tropical Storm Isais.

Potentially tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain is expected across parts of the Bahamas in the coming days. Associated disruptions to travel and business are also expected during the passing of the storm system.

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm 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.