North Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Larry tracking northwestward in North Atlantic Ocean Sept. 6 /update 1

Event

Hurricane Larry is tracking northwestward in the North Atlantic Ocean Sept. 6. As of 11:00 AST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 1,630 km (1,015 miles) southeast of Bermuda. Forecast models indicate that Larry, currently a Category 3 hurricane, will generally maintain its strength and continue to track northwestward through Sept. 8. The system is subsequently forecast to turn north-northwestward and then northward as it makes a close approach to Bermuda, likely passing to the east of the territory as a strong Category 2 hurricane, Sept. 9. Larry is then likely to gradually weaken as it tracks generally northward and then northeastward through the North Atlantic Ocean. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

Government Advisories
As of 11:00 Sept. 6, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) had not issued any watches or warnings associated with Hurricane Larry. The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Warning effective Sept. 7-8 due to swells generated by Hurricane Larry. Officials are likely to announce further weather advisories in the coming days as Larry approaches Bermuda.

Hazardous Conditions
Swells generated by Larry are forecast to impact the Lesser Antilles, parts of the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and Bermuda Sept. 6-7. Significant swells will likely impact parts of the US East Coast and Atlantic Canada Sept. 8-11. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding may begin to impact Bermuda by Sept. 8.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities in Bermuda in the coming days. 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 extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways 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