The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two systems in the Atlantic basin: Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Depression Nine. While neither storm is expected to directly affect the USVI and Puerto Rico, showers are possible, and marine conditions will be hazardous.
Tropical Cyclones Monitored by NHC
As of a 5 p.m. update from the NHC on Saturday, Hurricane Humberto, a major Category 4 hurricane, was located approximately 300 miles north north-east of the northern Leeward Islands. The storm is expected to remain over water as it moves in the general direction of Bermuda, though the cyclone is forecast to pass west of the island.
Hurricane Humberto
However, powerful swells generated by Hurricane Humberto will cause dangerous marine conditions across several areas, including the USVI and Puerto Rico.
“Swells generated by Humberto will affect portions of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda beginning tonight and continuing next week,” the NHC warned. “Swells from Humberto will also affect the U.S. East Coast beginning Monday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
In anticipation of the hazardous conditions, the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has issued a Small Craft Advisory for portions of the waters surrounding the local islands, with seas expected to reach between at least four and seven feet.
The NWS also said that the risk of rip currents will be elevated at coastlines across the region due to the strong swell. A High Rip Current Risk is in effect for portions of the north- and east-facing coastline of Puerto Rico until late Sunday night.
“A long period northeasterly swell from Hurricane Humberto will continue to increase seas and breaking waves during the weekend, resulting in a high risk of rip currents,” the NWS reported on Saturday. “There is a Small Craft Advisory in effect across the offshore Atlantic waters.”
“Improving coastal conditions are expected beginning on Monday,” the NWS added.
Additionally, the NWS noted that trailing moisture associated with Humberto could bring periods of rainfall and thunderstorms to areas across the local islands over the coming days, and minor concentrations of Saharan dust are also anticipated.
“An increase in moisture is forecast from Monday into Tuesday; however, Saharan dust will also move in, resulting in hazy skies in some isolated areas,” the NWS stated.
As of Saturday afternoon, there were no reports online from the Virgin Islands Port Authority regarding changes to port conditions across the territory.
Tropical Depression Nine
In addition to Humberto, the NHC is closely watching Tropical Depression Nine, which is expected to become Tropical Storm Imelda soon. As of Saturday afternoon, the cyclone was moving across the Bahamas, bringing rainfall and wind. Tropical weather alerts have been issued for the Bahamas as well as areas along the east coast of Florida.
The NHC has noted that there is significant uncertainty regarding the track of the cyclone as it moves toward the southeastern U.S. Due to the interaction between Humberto and Tropical Depression Nine, the system could move over land near South Carolina, or it may stall offshore. Either way, the NHC has warned that weather impacts are expected to occur along the U.S. East Coast, and travelers are encouraged to monitor flights regarding any possible disruptions.
Weather Updates
Finally, the NWS has cautioned that very warm temperatures will continue to occur across both Puerto Rico and the USVI. Heat alerts may be issued.
It is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA.
Additionally, the local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. A weekly Tropical Outlook article from the Source is also published throughout hurricane season to provide in-depth updates. Residents and visitors can find additional weather alerts and preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
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