Bahamas: Hurricane Maria to strike southeastern islands Sep. 21-22

Event

Hurricane Maria, a Category 3 hurricane was located 140 km (85 mi) east-northeast of Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) as of Thursday afternoon, September 21, forecast to continue moving towards the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos islands in the coming hours. As of 14:00 (local time), Maria had maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) and was moving northwest at a speed of 15 km/h (9 mph). A hurricane warning is in effect for the southeastern Bahamas as well as parts of the Dominican Republic and the nearby Turks and Caicos islands.

According to current predictions, Maria will pass just to the east of the southeastern Bahamas late on Thursday, September 21, and into Friday, September 22, as a major hurricane (Category 3-5). The storm is expected to bring 20-40 cm (8-16 in) of rain across the islands. Damaging winds and storm surges will also impact the area; swells along the coast will likely cause life-threatening surf. Flooding is also possible, along with landslides in hilly areas.

Power outages, water cuts, telecommunication issues, and transportation disruptions are possible during and following the storm’s passage.

Context

Storms are common in the region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak of storm activity typically observed in late August and September.

Much of the region is still recovering from Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that struck the region the week of September 6-10. Irma caused mass destruction in widespread areas, including Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, Saint Barthélemy, Cuba, and the Florida Keys. 

Hurricane Maria has already caused extensive damaged as it has made its way through the Caribbean region in the past two days. In neighboring Puerto Rico, Maria was the strongest hurricane to hit in nearly 90 years. Maria also caused widespread destruction when it passed over Dominica as a Category 5 storm late on Monday, killing at least seven people.

Advice

Individuals present in the Bahamas are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal areas (risk of flooding), and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.