Title: Hurricane Tammy Moves Away from Leeward Islands, Another System Poses Potential Threat
Date: October 22, 2023
Hurricane Tammy is currently moving away from the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean and into the Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). At 8 a.m., Tammy was located approximately 60 miles northeast of Anguilla, moving north-northwest at a speed of 10 mph. The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending 25 miles and tropical-storm-force winds reaching 140 miles.
As Tammy moves further away from land, all tropical watches and warnings have been lifted for the northern Leeward Islands. However, there is a possibility that Tammy could head toward Bermuda as indicated by its five-day path.
The dangerous marine conditions caused by Hurricane Tammy have prompted the NHC to issue warnings for the northern Leeward Islands, including Guadeloupe, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Martin, and Anguilla. These areas may experience wave heights of up to 25 feet until early Sunday, posing a significant threat.
In addition to Tammy, the NHC has raised concerns about another system developing in the southwestern Caribbean. Currently, an area of low pressure off the coast of Central America is displaying improved organization of showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters suggest that gradual development is possible, and a tropical depression could form before the system moves inland over Nicaragua by early Tuesday.
Regardless of development, this system has the potential to bring heavy rains to parts of Central America in the next couple of days. The NHC assigns a 50% chance for this system to develop over the next two to seven days. If it were to form and achieve named-storm status, it would become the season’s 21st official system and could be named Tropical Storm Vince.
Meanwhile, the trailing rains from Tammy continue to add to the weekend’s rainfall totals. Some isolated areas of the Leeward Islands have received up to 12 inches of rain, leading to concerns about flooding and mudslides.
Offshore, wave heights are expected to remain high, reaching up to 25 feet through Sunday morning. Coastal areas along the Atlantic-facing shores should be cautious of strong surf and heavy rip currents.
As both Hurricane Tammy and the potential developing system are closely monitored, residents and travelers in the affected regions are urged to stay updated on the latest advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.