As Hurricane Humberto strengthens in the Atlantic, meteorologists are closely watching another system forming near the Bahamas that may pose a greater threat to the U.S. coast next week.
“We’re monitoring a tropical wave showing signs of organization,” confirmed the National Hurricane Center. “It’s located near Hispaniola and eastern Cuba and could become a tropical depression near the central and northwest Bahamas over the weekend.”
Though Humberto is forecast to stay offshore, experts warn of potential indirect impacts from its interaction with the developing system.
“There is a significant risk of wind, rainfall, and storm surge impacts for a portion of the Southeast U.S. coast early next week,” the hurricane center added.
National Weather Service meteorologist Blair Holloway shared, “Confidence in the forecast hasn’t changed much from yesterday. There’s still considerable uncertainty in its development, track, intensity, timing, and impacts.”
Meteorologist Matt Lanza emphasized the lack of clarity, saying, “Anyone having confidence in what, precisely, will happen at this point is probably not being honest with themselves—or you.”
Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Carolinas and nearby regions could see heavy rain.
“There is real potential here for a rainmaker in the Carolinas,” Lanza said. NOAA estimates range from 6 to 10 inches of rainfall in the hardest-hit areas.
Residents along the Southeast coast should stay alert, as this storm system could become the next named threat: Imelda.
