A swirl of clouds hundreds of miles east of the northern Leeward Islands has now organized into Tropical Storm Humberto, and forecasters warn it may only be the first in a pair of powerful systems to churn the Atlantic in the coming days. According to the National Hurricane Center, Humberto’s maximum sustained winds are at 40 to 45 mph, with steady strengthening expected as it tracks west‑northwest at about 10 to 15 mph. The storm is expected to curve between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast, but its effects will reach far beyond its center.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said, “We expect it to intensify into a hurricane this weekend,” possibly to Category 4 strength between Bermuda and the mainland. Without a landfall, the size of Humberto and its wind field will still drive dangerous surf and life‑threatening rip currents along beaches from the northern Caribbean to Bermuda and much of the East Coast this weekend and potentially through mid‑week.
Trailing Humberto is a second, broader tropical wave currently moving across the northern Caribbean. While still disorganized, this disturbance-tagged Invest 94L-has a high chance of development once it clears the mountains of Hispaniola and approaches the Bahamas. The National Hurricane Center estimates an 80 percent formation chance within seven days. This system could become Tropical Storm Imelda and may take a more westerly track, bringing it closer to the southeastern U.S. early next week.
DaSilva warned, regardless of tropical development, this wave will bring downpours and gusty winds to parts of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Heavy rain could cause flash flooding, mudslides and scattered power blackouts. Impacts might significantly increase if it gets organized over the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and possibly the southern Atlantic coast.
Meanwhile, meteorologists are also monitoring the possibility of a rare Fujiwhara Effect, which involves the rotation of two nearby cyclones around a common center. In that scenario, Humberto and the developing wave could impact each other’s paths by keeping most of the rain offshore, flinging one of the storms toward the coast, or allowing the stronger system to absorb the weaker. This is where the forecast gets dicey and the need for close monitoring arises.
The message from forecasters to East Coast residents is unified: stay informed and prepared. “it only takes one storm to make it an impactful year for your community.” the National Hurricane Center repeats, since in years where no storms make landfall on U.S. soil, the passage of storms offshore can still cause coastal flooding, erosion, and dangerous marine conditions.
Periods of increased tropical activity can be stressful for individuals, psychologists say. Repeated severe weather alerts can cause anxiety even among those who have been through storms in the past. Experts say to try focusing on things you can control, such as double-checking your evacuation route and packing a go-bag with water, medications, and a battery-operated radio. Make sure outside items are secure rather than dwelling on worst-case scenarios.
Also consider limiting constant news exposure and relying on trusted forecast updates at regular times. Residents in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and along the U.S. East Coast are urged to monitor official advisories closely through the next week. Forecast models indicate Humberto will stay offshore, but its reach will be felt in the surf, while the second system’s path is less certain. By combining awareness with readiness, communities can help minimize both the physical risks and the mental strain that goes along with monitoring the tropics as they come alive.
