By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FORECASTERS say there is a 20–30 per cent chance of thunderstorms this week, with potential for tornado activity — an alert that comes days after a microburst damaged several homes in eastern New Providence.

Department of Meteorology Director Jeffrey Simmons said microbursts — sudden downdrafts from thunderstorms that can produce tornado-like damage with straight-line winds — are not unusual in summer and can also occur in winter. He noted they can form wherever conditions are favourable, including along strong cold fronts and during hurricanes, when daytime heating drives convective storm development.

Mr Simmons urged residents to take shelter when storm clouds approach, limit time outdoors during active weather, and avoid open areas, trees and bodies of water to reduce the risk of lightning strikes. He said recent advisories have underscored that severe thunderstorms can generate tornadic activity.