Hurricane Humberto Passes Safely North of Antigua, Heat Index Soars as Another System Forms
Dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Humberto is passing safely more than 350 miles north of Antigua and Barbuda, sparing the twin-island nation from a direct hit. The powerful storm is packing sustained winds near 145 mph with higher gusts, but forecasters say its main local impact has been the disruption of wind patterns, sending the heat index climbing above 40°C (104°F).
While Humberto tracks safely away, attention is also turning to Tropical Depression Nine, now churning near the Bahamas. As of 2 p.m. EDT Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said the system was located about 195 miles northwest of the eastern tip of Cuba and 120 miles south-southwest of the central Bahamas. Maximum sustained winds are 35 mph, and the storm is moving northwest at 6 mph.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of the central and northwestern Bahamas, while a watch has been issued for sections of Florida’s east coast. Heavy rains continue across eastern Cuba and the Bahamas, and U.S. Air Force hurricane hunters are en route to investigate the system.
Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda urged residents to remain vigilant, stay cool during the extreme heat, and continue monitoring official advisories as the busy hurricane season continues.
