Turks & Caicos Under Severe Weather Alert

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, March 22, 2024 – A severe weather warning for has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and The The Bahamas, where rainfall will effect the islands from Friday, March 22 to Monday, March 25.

According to The Bahamas Department of Meteorology, the combination of a “potent upper-level” trough, and unseasonably warm and moist conditions near the surface poses the “potential for squally/severe weather for the two countries.

The agency said in a statement on Wednesday that the three-day rainfall accumulations of 4 to 6 inches with maximum amounts of up to eight inches are likely in the Northwest Bahamas. Lesser accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are likely in the Central Bahamas and 1 to 2 inches in the Southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It forecasted that the “highest risk” for squally/severe convection is expected from Friday evening to Saturday night, in the Northwest and Central Bahamas, and some street flooding and flooding of other low-lying areas, especially in the Northwest and Central Bahamas, is expected.

“Heavy downpours, localized flooding, strong gusty winds, dangerous lightning, hail and possible waterspout or tornadic activity may be expected during thunderstorms,” the agency said, adding that for the Northwest Bahamas, winds will be 20 to 30 knots, with gusts to gale force.

For the Central and Southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, winds will be 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts. Small craft operators should not venture far from port in the Northwest and Central Bahamas on Friday,” the Met officed warned.

A small craft advisory will come into effect in Southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands on Friday.