Hurricane Humbelt Strengthens in the Atlantic
Hurricane Humbelt intensified significantly on Friday as it re-entered the Atlantic, prompting forecasters to observe nearby tropical systems that may soon affect the southeastern United States.
The US National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, reported that Humbelt’s maximum sustained winds increased to around 90 mph (150 kph) by midday while it moved slowly northwest, approximately 450 miles (725 km) northeast of the northern Leeward Islands.
This weekend, swells threatening dangerous surfing conditions and riptides are expected to reach parts of the Northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda.
Forecasters are also monitoring a tropical depression forming near the Bahamas; they have hopes it could develop into a tropical storm close to Hispaniola and East Cuba. This system consists of a chaotic mix of showers and thunderstorms.
These tropical disturbances already caused heavy rainfall in the Dominican Republic, forcing the evacuation of hundreds and triggering red alerts in five states.
Severe flooding from rivers and landslides has isolated communities, particularly in the Yamasa area, where some drivers tragically drowned when their vehicles were washed away.
In Azua, one of the hardest-hit regions, more than 774 individuals have been displaced, with 26 needing rescue from flooding around the Tabara River, according to civil defense officials.
There remains considerable uncertainty regarding the trajectory and strength of these systems, but experts warned of significant risks of wind, rain, and storm surges impacting the southeastern U.S. early next week.
On Thursday, FEMA cautioned residents in coastal regions of the Southeast to stay vigilant, stating they’re prepared to respond as necessary as the situation unfolds.
In South Carolina, local officials made preparations for potential impacts from the storm, recognizing the uncertainty but remaining alert.
In Charleston, teams worked to secure sandbags, bolster services with high-water vehicles, and ready pumps to deal with possible flood situations.
Currently, Gabriel, a post-tropical cyclone, has moved away from the Azores, leading to the cancellation of hurricane warnings there.
As of Friday afternoon, Gabriel was about 245 miles (395 kilometers) east-northeast of Lajes Air Force Base in the Azores, with sustained winds nearing 65 mph (100 kph) and gusts reaching up to 78 mph (126 kph).
Gabriel was anticipated to weaken over the weekend while drawing closer to Portugal’s coastline by Sunday, with conditions resulting in dangerous waves and rip currents expected in the region.
In the Pacific, Hurricane Narda, currently about 880 miles (1420 km) west-northwest of Cabo San Lucas, is moving west-northwest at 15 mph (24 kph). This Category 1 hurricane is projected to maintain its strength before weakening over the weekend.
Narda’s swells have already impacted areas in Mexico and Baja California Sur, with warnings that life-threatening waves and riptides may reach Southern California soon.
