NPR: Caribbean and Mexico Coasts Facing Growing Threat

Prepare for Hurricane Tammy and Hurricane Norma

Double Hurricane Warning: Caribbean and Mexico

Authorities have issued rare twin hurricane warnings in both the Atlantic and Pacific, with Caribbean islands in the crosshairs of Hurricane Tammy and Hurricane Norma bearing down on the northern coastline of Mexico.

Impact in the Caribbean

While neither storm currently threatens U.S. coastlines, the National Hurricane Center warned that the most serious impact from Hurricane Tammy would be felt in Antigua, Barbuda, and the Leeward Islands. Residents there should rush to finish preparations to protect their property and lives. On the island of Guadeloupe, officials urged residents to be aware of shelter locations, while nearby Dominica had kept airports open but closed schools.

Approaching the Leeward and Windward Islands

With tropical storm force winds currently extending up to 125 miles, forecasters predict that Hurricane Tammy will pass over or near the Leeward and Windward Islands by early Sunday. Life-threatening surf and storm surges of up to 3 feet could combine with 8 inches of rainfall on some islands, producing isolated flash flooding and even mudslides on higher terrain.

Unusual Late-October Atlantic Hurricanes

Hurricanes in late October are rare for the Atlantic basin, particularly so far to the southeast. Scientists have warned that an unusually warm Atlantic Ocean, linked to the El Niño weather pattern, could precipitate the formation of storms in less common locations.

Preparing for Hurricane Norma in Mexico

Meanwhile, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, tropical storm warnings from the Mexican government are now in place for parts of Baja California Sur, with hurricane conditions linked to Hurricane Norma expected to hit areas around the popular tourist town of Cabo San Lucas by Sunday morning. The storm system is expected to move east to the mainland of Mexico by Monday, with winds of around 115 mph and gusts of up to 160 mph. A maximum rainfall of 15 inches could hit Baja California Sur and extend further south into Sinaloa on Monday, possibly leading to mudslides and flash flooding. Forecasters also warn of a dangerous storm surge that will likely flood the coastline due to the onshore direction of the anticipated winds.

Read More of this Story at www.npr.org – 2023-10-21 12:55:00