Nassau, Bahamas – Mariners across the southern and eastern Bahamas are staring down a life-threatening weekend as hurricane-force winds and massive seas build through Sunday night, bringing potentially catastrophic marine conditions.
According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, sustained winds up to 115 knots and seas reaching 36 feet are expected across several zones south of 23°N through late Sunday. Hurricane warnings remain in effect, with hurricane conditions likely by midday Sunday and tropical storm-force winds already developing in affected waters early this morning.
The most severe impacts are forecast south of 23°N latitude, including waters near the Turks and Caicos and the eastern Bahamas chain. Saturday night into Sunday will see rapid intensification, with wind speeds increasing to 90–115 kt and wave heights exceeding 30 feet. Visibility may fall below one nautical mile due to intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
Small craft and commercial vessels should avoid the region entirely through Monday, as rapidly changing winds and seas could capsize vessels not built for open-ocean hurricanes. Ports and marinas in Nassau and Freeport are urging vessels to remain docked and secured.
Conditions begin to ease Tuesday into Wednesday, but elevated swells and gusty winds will persist. Mariners should remain on alert for additional advisories as the system progresses northward.
