A tropical wave is currently affecting the Central Caribbean Sea and the Turks and Caicos Islands, with disorganized showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reported across these areas. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has issued a weather alert for residents and travelers in the Southeast, Central, and Northwest Bahamas as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands.
According to the alert, an area of low pressure is expected to develop along this wave either tonight or early Friday as it moves near the southeast Bahamas. The system is likely to become a tropical depression when it reaches the central and northwest Bahamas in the next few days. The region should expect heavy rainfall and strong winds during this period.
The U.S. Embassy has provided guidance for those in affected areas: "Avoid travel to the areas forecast to be impacted by the weather system until it has dissipated. If there is flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, avoid those areas if possible, or remain in a safe location until water recedes. Ensure emergency supplies are on hand including potable water, non-perishable foods, and fuel."
People are also advised to monitor local news outlets as well as resources such as the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/), Bahamas Department of Meteorology website (https://met.gov.bs/), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) websites (https://www.noaa.gov/), and Tropical Storm Risk website (https://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/) for ongoing updates about storm tracking.
For further assistance, contact information for U.S. Embassy Nassau is available through their official website or by phone at +1(242) 461-5025 or email at ACSNassau@state.gov. Travelers can also reach State Department Consular Affairs at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. Additional country-specific information can be found on The Bahamas International Travel Information page from the U.S. State Department.
The embassy encourages all U.S. citizens in the area to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates directly.