Bahamas: Hurricane Dorian makes landfall on Grand Bahama Island September 1 /update 4

Event

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an update at 00:00 (local time) on Monday, September 2, regarding Hurricane Dorian. The NHC warned of destructive winds spreading westward across Grand Bahama Island that are expected to last several hours. Dorian has maximum sustained winds of 285 kph (180 mph), gusts over 322 kph (200 mph) and may bring 30-60 cm (12-24 in) of rainfall in some areas. Airports in the Abaco Islands, Grand Bahama, and Bimini have suspended operations but Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport (NSA) remained open on Sunday, September 1.

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, through Monday, September 2. Power and water outages have been reported across the islands as of Sunday afternoon, and further transportation, business, and power disruptions are anticipated in the region in the coming days. As of 01:30 on Monday, Dorian is located approximately 26.6°N 77.9°W (map here) and is tracking west at 10 kph (6 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.