02 Sep 2019 | 02:22 PM UTC
Bahamas: Hurricane Dorian batters Grand Bahama Island September 2 /update 5
Hurricane Dorian batters Grand Bahama Island September 2; destructive winds and heavy rain expected
Event
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated at 08:00 (local time) on Monday, September 2, that the eye of Category 5 Hurricane Dorian is moving slowly at 2kph (1 mph) as it hovers above Grand Bahama Island. Catastrophic hurricane conditions continue on the island, and are expected to last several hours. Dorian has maximum sustained winds of 270 kph (165 mph), gusts over 322 kph (200 mph) and may bring 30-60 cm (12-24 in) of rainfall in some areas. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Grand Bahama and the Abacos Islands in the northwestern Bahamas. As of 08:00 on Monday, Dorian is located approximately at 26.7N 78.2W (map here).
The NHC also indicates that Dorian is forecast to bring a life-threatening storm surge, which will raise water levels by as much as 18 to 23 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds on Grand Bahama Island. Devastating hurricane-force winds and heavy rains capable of life-threatening flash floods are also expected through Monday. Power and water outages have been reported across the islands as of the afternoon on Sunday, September 1, and further transportation, business, and power disruptions are anticipated in the region in the coming days.
Airports in the Abaco Islands, Grand Bahama, and Bimini have suspended operations on Sunday and many flights have been canceled into Tuesday, September 3. Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport (NSA) also closed overnight on Sunday in a late evening decision, though reopened in the morning on Monday. Several flights have been canceled by various airlines.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.
