Atlantic tropical disturbance threatens Caribbean, Southeast U.S.

MIAMI — Forecasters are monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic that could approach the South Carolina coast early next week, with tropical-storm or possibly hurricane-strength winds a likelihood if forecasts confirm strengthening. The system was located about 120 miles south-southwest of the Central Bahamas on Saturday afternoon as advisories were issued. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster urged residents to stay alert and monitor updates, saying the storm is “deadly serious.” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein followed with a state of emergency to mobilize resources if the system approaches the state. The National Hurricane Center identified the disturbance as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, a designation used when a system could bring tropical-storm conditions even if it has not yet become a tropical cyclone. Forecasters warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and river flooding across portions of southeast Georgia and South Carolina. The Bahamas and parts of the Caribbean were urged to monitor forecasts closely as the system moves toward the region.

As the disturbance approaches the U.S. coastline, officials emphasized preparedness. A tropical storm or hurricane watch could be issued for portions of the Florida east coast as the system runs parallel offshore, with forecasts indicating the system could strengthen into a tropical storm by Sunday and possibly reach hurricane strength if environmental conditions remain conducive. In South Florida, officials said residents should not become complacent after recent wet spells. Homestead Emergency Manager Jaime Hernandez urged residents to maintain emergency plans and continue monitoring forecasts, noting that the city has historically faced severe impacts from major storms.

Humberto, meanwhile, remained a powerful Category 4 hurricane on Saturday afternoon, with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 kph). The storm was about 365 miles (587 kilometers) northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and moving west at 8 mph (13 kph). The National Weather Service warned of life-threatening surf and rip currents for the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Bermuda over the weekend, with swells affecting Atlantic waters and coastal areas. Puerto Rico issued a small-craft advisory as swells rose to roughly 7 feet (2 meters) offshore. Forecasters cautioned beachgoers to heed flags and stay out of the water where warnings were in effect.

In the Bahamas, officials warned residents that Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine could bring heavy rainfall beginning late Saturday into Sunday. The central and southeast Bahamas could see 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain, with isolated pockets up to 10 inches (25 centimeters). Civil Defense authorities urged residents in low-lying areas to take steps to mitigate flood damage and prepare for possible flooding, while warning that winds and rains could worsen quickly if the system deviates from forecast paths.

Florida’s east coast remained under watch as the system approached, with a tropical-storm watch issued for portions of the coast north of West Palm Beach to areas north of Daytona Beach. Officials in South Florida, which has endured heavy rains through September, stressed continued vigilance and readiness. In Homestead, Hernandez highlighted the region’s experience with major storms, citing Hurricane Andrew in 1992 as a reminder of the importance of emergency planning and staying informed.

The disturbance also disrupted conditions in the Dominican Republic, where heavy rains on Friday prompted evacuations and a red alert across five provinces. Flooding in Azua displaced at least 774 people, with 26 more sheltered due to the overflow of the Tábara River, Civil Defense spokesman Jensen Sánchez told The Associated Press.

Beyond the Atlantic, the weather picture included Gabrielle moving post-tropical away from the Azores, with a hurricane warning for the Portuguese archipelago discontinued as Gabrielle tracked toward Europe. Swells were expected to create life-threatening surf and rip currents for Portugal, northwestern Spain and northern Morocco on Saturday. Tropical depression Nine was expected to strengthen and bring tropical-storm conditions to portions of the central and northwestern Bahamas through Sunday night, with possible impacts along parts of the east coast of central Florida beginning Monday.

In the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Narda remained roughly 1,025 miles (1,650 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, tracking west-northwest at about 12 mph (19 kph). The Category 1 storm was forecast to weaken over the weekend, but swells could reach coastal Mexico and Baja California Sur, with life-threatening surf and rip currents possible for southern California over the weekend.

The situation underscored the ongoing risk from Atlantic tropical activity and the interconnected nature of weather systems across the hemisphere. Forecasters urged residents from the Caribbean to the U.S. Southeast to monitor official advisories, prepare emergency plans and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions deteriorate. State agencies and local governments were coordinating resource pre-positioning and readiness efforts in anticipation of potential impacts from the system, as well as continuing to monitor Humberto and other concurrent weather events.