This blog post summarizes the latest tropical activity across the Atlantic and Pacific basins: a rapidly intensifying Hurricane Humberto, a developing system in the Caribbean (Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, possibly to be named Imelda), and significant impacts in the Dominican Republic. Precautionary actions are underway in the U.S. Southeast, while additional storms—post-tropical Gabrielle and Hurricane Narda—are producing dangerous swells far from their centers.
As a forecaster with three decades of experience, I explain the key hazards, likely impacts, and practical preparedness steps for communities at risk.
Overview of active tropical systems
Multiple storms are simultaneously influencing ocean conditions and coastal impacts across the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. These systems vary in intensity and stage.
Together, they raise important concerns for rip currents, heavy rainfall, flooding, and infrastructure damage over the coming days.
Below I break down each system, the primary hazards, and sensible actions for residents and emergency managers.
Hurricane Humberto: a major Atlantic threat
Hurricane Humberto strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 145 mph. At the time of the latest advisory, it was centered about 390 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands.
Humberto is primarily a marine and coastal hazard at this stage. Its size and intensity will generate extensive dangerous surf and persistent rip currents.
Coastal areas that should expect hazardous conditions include the northern Leeward Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda. Swells from a system of this strength can travel far from the storm center, increasing the risk for swimmers and small craft even where direct landfall is unlikely.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine — Imelda possible
A separate disturbance, designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, struck parts of the Caribbean and is forecast to organize into a tropical depression or tropical storm over the weekend. It could be named Imelda.
At the advisory, it had winds near 35 mph and was centered about 145 miles northwest of eastern Cuba.
Tropical storm warnings and watches were issued for portions of the Bahamas, including the Central and northwestern Bahamas. The system’s proximity to populated islands and the southeastern U.S. has prompted preemptive action from officials.
Local impacts and preparedness — U.S. Southeast and Caribbean
Governors and municipal leaders are acting ahead of possible impacts. In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency to coordinate resources and enable federal assistance.
Charleston crews pre-staged sandbags, high-water vehicles, and pumps. In the Dominican Republic, heavy rains already forced evacuations and activated red alerts in five provinces.
Widespread flooding and landslides damaged infrastructure; a collapsed bridge tragically killed a truck driver. In Azua province, at least 774 people were displaced, dozens of communities were isolated, and emergency shelters were opened.
Practical preparedness steps
If you live in affected regions, consider the following actions immediately:
Additional systems: Gabrielle and Narda
Beyond Humberto and the Caribbean disturbance, other tropical remnants and hurricanes are producing notable coastal effects.
Post-tropical Gabrielle has moved away from the Azores, but swells will reach parts of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
Advisories for Gabrielle were discontinued as it transitioned, but swells remain a hazard.
In the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Narda churns west of Baja California as a Category 1 storm.
Narda is generating swells that could impact coastal Mexico, Baja California Sur, and even southern California over the weekend—dangerous for beachgoers and small vessels.
Here is the source article for this story: Humberto becomes a hurricane in the Atlantic as Gabrielle passes across the Azores