Bahamas: Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Bahamas as TS Debby forms

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning, which will remain in place from 1:20 am to 2:50 am on Wednesday.

According to the information, a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for the islands of North Eleuthera and Central Andros and their surrounding waters.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Central and South Abaco and South Andros.

The Met Office also reported that around 1:15 am, lightning detection, radar, and satellite imagery continued to depict a conventional line of showers and thunderstorms moving towards or across the warning and watch areas.

It was also said that these showers and thunderstorms are linked with rainbands from Tropical Storm Debby, which is currently located along the Georgia/South Carolina border.

While urging the general public to be safe, the Office noted that some of these showers will be locally heavy and thunderstorms are strong to severe at times, which could cause strong gusty winds.

In addition to this, there is also a possibility of dangerous lightning, hail, heavy downpours, and possible waterspouts or tornadic activity. Also, localized flooding is possible during the passage of this storm.

While addressing the boaters, the Met Office of Bahamas noted that the ones in the warning area should seek safe harbor while residents in the warning area should also remain indoors and away from windows in case the conditions worsen.

The Office is also advising the residents not to seek shelter under trees or in the water as these can become lightning conductors.

Notably, Tropical Storm Debby is moving toward the northeast at nearly three miles per hour. It is anticipated that a slow motion towards the east and then north could prevail through Thursday night.

The maximum sustained winds are reported to be near 40 miles per hour with higher gusts with some strengthening forecasted on Wednesday while Debby drifts offshore.

If the weather continues to remain adverse, the Bahamas Met office will again issue another warning or watch at 2:50 am.