Bahamas: Rain forecast in southern Bahamas on September 13 while death toll rises to 50 /update 10

Event

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated on Thursday, September 12, that a trough of low pressure with showers and thunderstorms is forming near southern Bahamas. Conditions for a tropical cyclone may develop over the weekend. Inclement weather is therefore expected across the Bahamas on Friday, September 13. This comes just one week after Hurricane Dorian lashed the nation with heavy rains, strong winds, and severe flooding.

The Commissioner of Police confirmed on Tuesday, September 10, that an estimated 2500 people remain missing and the death toll has risen to 50, though is likely to increase due to the high number of missing individuals. A total of 42 of those killed were from Abaco Island, while the other eight were from Grand Bahama.

Officials also indicated that an estimated 17 percent of Bahamians are now homeless, while others are living in in homes that are no longer structurally secure. There are also health concerns due to affected water supplies and hygiene.

On Sunday, September 8, the FAA issued restrictions on airplanes going to the Bahamas, reducing aid delivery to the island nation. It stated that those which were not scheduled and approved by the Bahamian government will be turned away. This decision was made in order to prioritize search-and-rescue flights and humanitarian assistance. Also on Sunday, the Bahamian government sent 900 security units, both domestic and foreign, to the two affected islands to continue clearing operations

Context

Hurricane Dorian hit the region as a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale on Sunday, September 1, with wind gusts up to 354 kph (220 mph) and up to 89 cm (35 in) of rain. The hurricane remained largely stationary until Tuesday morning when it slowly began moving west towards the US. As of 02:00 on Friday, September 6, Dorian is located at approximately 34.2°N 76.8°W (map here) and moving northeast at 24 kph (15 mph). Dorian has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 km (90 mph).

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.