A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the Northern, Northwest and Central Bahamas.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Grand Bahama from Freeport to East End, Moore’s Island and Central Abaco, West Andros and The Exuma Cays from Black Point south to Rolleville and all their adjacent waters and cays.

At 8:25 am lightning detection, observation, radar, and satellite imagery depict clusters of showers and embedded thunderstorms moving north and east across the warning areas. These showers and thunderstorms are associated with a stationary frontal boundary across the Northern Bahamas and streaming moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of these showers will be locally heavy and thunderstorms will be strong and severe at times causing strong gusty winds, dangerous lightning, heavy downpours, possible hail and or waterspout or tornadic activity. Localized flooding is also possible during these storms.

Boaters in the warning area should seek safe harbor and residents in the warning areas should stay indoors and away from windows when conditions worsen. Residents should not seek shelter under trees or in water as these can become lightning conductors.