Bahamas: Tropical Storm conditions anticipated as storm Laura tracks northwest through Caribbean August 22

Event

Tropical Depression 13 has developed into Tropical Storm Laura and, as of the latest National Hurricane Center update at 23:00 (local time) on Friday evening, August 21, is likely to bring tropical storm conditions along the northern coasts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Further, storm conditions are also expected in Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23. Tropical storm conditions are also possible over portions of central Bahamas on Sunday night.

Tropical storm warnings are in place for The northern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the border with Haiti, the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to Punta Palenque, the northern coast of Haiti from Le Mole St. Nicholas to the border with the Dominican Republic, and the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heavy rainfall and associated flooding are possible over the coming days, along with associated disruptions to business and transport.

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

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.