Bahamas: Officials order evacuations ahead of Hurricane Dorian August 31 /update 2

Event

Authorities issued renewed evacuation orders for residents and tourists in the northwestern Abaco islands and Grand Bahama on Saturday, August 31, as Hurricane Dorian continues to strengthen as it moves towards the region. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis issued a televised address on Saturday, urging all those able to evacuate to leave as soon as possible. Tourists are reportedly being sent to government shelters and some hotels have closed. According to Minnis, the storm is expected to affect 73,000 people and bring storm surges up to 4.5 m (15 ft). Airports in the Abaco Islands, Grand Bahama, and Bimini have suspended operations but Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NSA) remains open as of Saturday evening (local time). Dorian is forecast to bring life-threatening storm surge, devastating hurricane-force winds, and heavy rains capable of life-threatening flash floods to the region from Sunday, September 1, through Monday, September 2. Associated transportation, business, and power disruptions are anticipated in the region in the coming days. 

As of 20:00 on August 31, Hurricane Dorian is a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale and located approximately 26.2°N 74.7°W (map here) with maximum sustained winds of 240 kph (150 mph). Dorian may intensify to a Category 5 hurricane before moving over Abaco and Grand Bahama on Sunday. The storm is moving west at 13 kph (8 mph) and tropical storm winds forecast to start effecting the Bahamas on Saturday night. 

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.