South eastern islands, Central and N.West Bahamas prepared
By TAMARA McKENZIE,Guardian Staff Reporter
Continuing Its western track, packing highest sustained winds of 140 miles per hour on Tuesday, Hurricane Frances is expected to strike islands in the South East Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands this afternoon.
As of 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the Department of Meteorology issued alert No. 7 on Hurricane Frances. Chief Climatologist, Jeffrey Simmons said Frances was centred near Latitude 25.5 degrees North and Longitude 65.9 West or 350 miles East South East of the Turks and Caicos Islands, 480 miles East of Inagua and 800 miles South East of New Providence.
"The hurricane has increased in forward speed and is now moving toward the West at 17 miles per hour. A turn toward the West North West is expected tonight with a gradual decrease in forward speed," Mr Simmons said.
The Chief Climatologist said the highest sustained winds of Frances were near 140 miles per hour wIth higher gusts. He said some fluctuation in intensity is expected during the next 24 hours, but hurricane force winds extended outward 70 miles from the centre and tropical force storm winds extended outward 175 miles from the centre.
If Frances continues its western track into the South East Bahamas, those islands in its path include: Crooked Island, Acklins, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Inagua, the Semana Cays, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands should feel some effects of Hurricane Frances as of this afternoon around 2:00 p.m. The Category Four hurricane will then move on to Inagua and continue its western track to Mayaguana, Acklins and Crooked Island tonight around 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday morning, Mr Simmons said.
A hurricane watch was also issued Tuesday for the Central Bahamas. These islands include: Long Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Exuma, the Exuma Cays, Cat Island, South Eleuthera, and South Andros, while a hurricane alert was issued for those remaining islands in the North West Bahamas. These islands include: New Providence, North Eleuthera, North Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Grand Bahama, and Abaco.
According to Mr Simmons, hurricane alerts are issued in stages of alert, watch, and warning. An alert is to inform residents that storm conditions could be affecting parts of The Bahamas within 60 hours. A watch is carried out when a storm is less than 36 hours away and a warning when it is less than 24 hours away.
Mr Simmons said if Frances continues its western path, it would affect the Central Bahamas on Thursday and move on to the North West Bahamas, which includes New Providence on Thursday night and early Friday morning.
As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, Mr Simmons said Frances was expected to turn to the West North West within the next 24 hours. He added that despite its turn, islands of the Southeast Bahamas would remain in its path.
Hurricane Frances was also upgraded once again to a "strong" category four hurricane on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. However, Mr Simmons said the category of Frances continues to fluctuate. According to the National Weather Service Website, a Category Four hurricane packs winds of 131-155 mph, and storm surges are generally 13-18 ft above normal. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles.
Turks and Caicos prepares
Ms. Karen Delancey, Minister responsible for the Department of Disaster Management in Turks and Caicos, reported on Tuesday afternoon that residents were hurriedly purchasing food supplies and hurricane items in preparation of Hurricane Frances's arrival. She said various areas were designated for shelters around the island, and the Red Cross, Rotary, Kiwanis and other civic and religious organisations were assisting.
Ms. Delancy said six shelters were designated on the island of Providenciales and residents were constantly monitoring updates. "Other than this, we are prepared, and we have been having various exercises in the event of a hurricane."
Inagua will be hit first - evacuation in place
According to information received from the Met Office on Tuesday, Hurricane Frances will first hit the island of Inagua.
When The Guardian contacted Matthew Town, Inagua on Tuesday afternoon, the Chief Clerk in the Administrator's Office, Ms. Judy Collie, said the community was preparing to evacuate persons from low-lying areas near the coastline.
"As you know the communIty of Matthew Town is a coastal community and we are right on the water front," she said.
Ms. Collie said residents were also busy placing storm shutters on all government buildings as well as their homes. She added that residents prepared hurricane shelters that were expected to open early today.
Asked about the mood of residents in Inagua, Ms. Collie said individuals were not afraid but were rather upbeat. She said because a major storm has not hIt the island for such a long time, many of the residents were predicting that the Frances would shift Its track.
"We have not seen it look like this for a while: It is not sunny and it is not hot, but it's cool. It's not really breezy, but the sun is not out right now and we have not seen it [the weather] like this for a while," she said. Ms Collie added that residents are taking precautions.
The Guardian was told that the Administrator of Inagua, Reevis Rolle, was in New Providence on sick leave.
Crooked Island - Elderly residents not complying with warnings
Kirkwood McKinney, the Chief Councillor of Crooked Island and Long Cay reported that several residents, mainly the elderly, were concerned about battening up their homes.
"Some of the people are still pretty laid back and taking things a bit casual, hoping that the hurricane will pass us as it always does to the north. However, we are advising persons to take all of the necessary precautions and not wait for the last minute," Mr McKinney warned.
"Some young home owners are making the effort to batten up, but some are still a bit laxed and hoping for the best," he continued.
When The Guardian spoke to Mr McKinney on Tuesday afternoon, he said he had a team of "able" young men that were securing buildings on the island.
He said Crooked Islanders were securing all government buildings such as the Administrator's residence, the Colonel Hill Clinic, Environmental Health office, the Principal's cottage, and the airport building. He said the National Insurance and Administrative Offices would be the last government buildings to be secured on Tuesday because employees were still working at these locations until 5:00 p.m.
Mr McKinney also said schools on the island were secured while the police patrolled the island to compile a list of persons that needed assistance with battening up their homes.
Acklins and Long Cay - No phone service available
The Guardian was unable to make contact with the Administrator of Acklins Islands. However, the Chief Councilor of nearby Crooked Island, Mr Kirkwood McKinney, said telephone communication has been interrupted for more than one week due to an electrical storm. He said several connections could be made from BTC's main Church Grove station, while workmen are still working vigorously to restore service.
"Communication on the island right now is almost null and void. We can get out by means of VHF person to person signal. And this is only those persons who have this signal in their homes, but the phone system is presently out. Everything is pretty much dead," he said.
Ragged Island - Residents prefer to stay at home
Ragged Island residents prefer to stay at their homes rather than go to a shelter a shelter, claimed its Chief Councillor, Granville Hepburn on Tuesday.
"Flooding is not a great concern. This island is very high and most of the residents prefer to ride out the storm at home, but if it gets to the point where they have to leave, I guess we will see what we can do and get them to the shelter," he said.
On the other hand, Mr Hepburn said the Administration building in Ragged Island was designated a shelter and those interested in moving could bring their blankets, food Items and other personal effects.
In the meantime, Mr Hepburn said Ragged Islanders were securing government and other buildings in the area on Tuesday.
"Most of the people here have already secured their property from today [Tuesday]. We will also have and emergency meeting today around 4:00 p.m. to bring everybody on board in regards to what is going on," he said, adding that the main concern of Ragged Islanders was the damage that might occur if Hurricane Frances hits the island.
"We are really trying to get prepared and we are only waiting to see what would happen. Hopefully It would go north of us," he said
Mayaguana - Necessary preparations in place
Mayaguana Administrator, Samuel Miller, reported that as of Tuesday evening, all necessary preparations are in place to secure government buildings and homes. He said that although residents were prepared, they were in "somber" mood.
"I would not say they are frightened, but they are concerned should the hurricane hit, but everyone is complying with the warnings," he said.
Mr Miller also pointed out that individuals needing medical help on the island were advised to seek shelter at the government clinic. Residents in low-lying areas have also been advised to move into shelters, Mr Miller said.
Further, David Cates, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet office attached to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the Disaster Management Committee met on Tuesday morning and planned to deploy advance teams in the Family Islands to assist with any last minute preparations.
Mr Cates said NEMA is urging the public to take the Category Four hurricane threat "seriously," and persons should have already begun to take the necessary precautions.
According to NEMA, "impact teams" from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will also be dispatched some 24-48 in advance to the first island(s) scheduled to experience the brunt of Hurricane Frances.
South eastern islands, Central and N.West Bahamas prepared
By TAMARA McKENZIE,Guardian Staff Reporter
Continuing Its western track, packing highest sustained winds of 140 miles per hour on Tuesday, Hurricane Frances is expected to strike islands in the South East Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands this afternoon.
As of 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the Department of Meteorology issued alert No. 7 on Hurricane Frances. Chief Climatologist, Jeffrey Simmons said Frances was centred near Latitude 25.5 degrees North and Longitude 65.9 West or 350 miles East South East of the Turks and Caicos Islands, 480 miles East of Inagua and 800 miles South East of New Providence.
"The hurricane has increased in forward speed and is now moving toward the West at 17 miles per hour. A turn toward the West North West is expected tonight with a gradual decrease in forward speed," Mr Simmons said.
The Chief Climatologist said the highest sustained winds of Frances were near 140 miles per hour wIth higher gusts. He said some fluctuation in intensity is expected during the next 24 hours, but hurricane force winds extended outward 70 miles from the centre and tropical force storm winds extended outward 175 miles from the centre.
If Frances continues its western track into the South East Bahamas, those islands in its path include: Crooked Island, Acklins, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Inagua, the Semana Cays, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands should feel some effects of Hurricane Frances as of this afternoon around 2:00 p.m. The Category Four hurricane will then move on to Inagua and continue its western track to Mayaguana, Acklins and Crooked Island tonight around 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday morning, Mr Simmons said.
A hurricane watch was also issued Tuesday for the Central Bahamas. These islands include: Long Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Exuma, the Exuma Cays, Cat Island, South Eleuthera, and South Andros, while a hurricane alert was issued for those remaining islands in the North West Bahamas. These islands include: New Providence, North Eleuthera, North Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Grand Bahama, and Abaco.
According to Mr Simmons, hurricane alerts are issued in stages of alert, watch, and warning. An alert is to inform residents that storm conditions could be affecting parts of The Bahamas within 60 hours. A watch is carried out when a storm is less than 36 hours away and a warning when it is less than 24 hours away.
Mr Simmons said if Frances continues its western path, it would affect the Central Bahamas on Thursday and move on to the North West Bahamas, which includes New Providence on Thursday night and early Friday morning.
As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, Mr Simmons said Frances was expected to turn to the West North West within the next 24 hours. He added that despite its turn, islands of the Southeast Bahamas would remain in its path.
Hurricane Frances was also upgraded once again to a "strong" category four hurricane on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. However, Mr Simmons said the category of Frances continues to fluctuate. According to the National Weather Service Website, a Category Four hurricane packs winds of 131-155 mph, and storm surges are generally 13-18 ft above normal. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles.
Turks and Caicos prepares
Ms. Karen Delancey, Minister responsible for the Department of Disaster Management in Turks and Caicos, reported on Tuesday afternoon that residents were hurriedly purchasing food supplies and hurricane items in preparation of Hurricane Frances's arrival. She said various areas were designated for shelters around the island, and the Red Cross, Rotary, Kiwanis and other civic and religious organisations were assisting.
Ms. Delancy said six shelters were designated on the island of Providenciales and residents were constantly monitoring updates. "Other than this, we are prepared, and we have been having various exercises in the event of a hurricane."
Inagua will be hit first - evacuation in place
According to information received from the Met Office on Tuesday, Hurricane Frances will first hit the island of Inagua.
When The Guardian contacted Matthew Town, Inagua on Tuesday afternoon, the Chief Clerk in the Administrator's Office, Ms. Judy Collie, said the community was preparing to evacuate persons from low-lying areas near the coastline.
"As you know the communIty of Matthew Town is a coastal community and we are right on the water front," she said.
Ms. Collie said residents were also busy placing storm shutters on all government buildings as well as their homes. She added that residents prepared hurricane shelters that were expected to open early today.
Asked about the mood of residents in Inagua, Ms. Collie said individuals were not afraid but were rather upbeat. She said because a major storm has not hIt the island for such a long time, many of the residents were predicting that the Frances would shift Its track.
"We have not seen it look like this for a while: It is not sunny and it is not hot, but it's cool. It's not really breezy, but the sun is not out right now and we have not seen it [the weather] like this for a while," she said. Ms Collie added that residents are taking precautions.
The Guardian was told that the Administrator of Inagua, Reevis Rolle, was in New Providence on sick leave.
Crooked Island - Elderly residents not complying with warnings
Kirkwood McKinney, the Chief Councillor of Crooked Island and Long Cay reported that several residents, mainly the elderly, were concerned about battening up their homes.
"Some of the people are still pretty laid back and taking things a bit casual, hoping that the hurricane will pass us as it always does to the north. However, we are advising persons to take all of the necessary precautions and not wait for the last minute," Mr McKinney warned.
"Some young home owners are making the effort to batten up, but some are still a bit laxed and hoping for the best," he continued.
When The Guardian spoke to Mr McKinney on Tuesday afternoon, he said he had a team of "able" young men that were securing buildings on the island.
He said Crooked Islanders were securing all government buildings such as the Administrator's residence, the Colonel Hill Clinic, Environmental Health office, the Principal's cottage, and the airport building. He said the National Insurance and Administrative Offices would be the last government buildings to be secured on Tuesday because employees were still working at these locations until 5:00 p.m.
Mr McKinney also said schools on the island were secured while the police patrolled the island to compile a list of persons that needed assistance with battening up their homes.
Acklins and Long Cay - No phone service available
The Guardian was unable to make contact with the Administrator of Acklins Islands. However, the Chief Councilor of nearby Crooked Island, Mr Kirkwood McKinney, said telephone communication has been interrupted for more than one week due to an electrical storm. He said several connections could be made from BTC's main Church Grove station, while workmen are still working vigorously to restore service.
"Communication on the island right now is almost null and void. We can get out by means of VHF person to person signal. And this is only those persons who have this signal in their homes, but the phone system is presently out. Everything is pretty much dead," he said.
Ragged Island - Residents prefer to stay at home
Ragged Island residents prefer to stay at their homes rather than go to a shelter a shelter, claimed its Chief Councillor, Granville Hepburn on Tuesday.
"Flooding is not a great concern. This island is very high and most of the residents prefer to ride out the storm at home, but if it gets to the point where they have to leave, I guess we will see what we can do and get them to the shelter," he said.
On the other hand, Mr Hepburn said the Administration building in Ragged Island was designated a shelter and those interested in moving could bring their blankets, food Items and other personal effects.
In the meantime, Mr Hepburn said Ragged Islanders were securing government and other buildings in the area on Tuesday.
"Most of the people here have already secured their property from today [Tuesday]. We will also have and emergency meeting today around 4:00 p.m. to bring everybody on board in regards to what is going on," he said, adding that the main concern of Ragged Islanders was the damage that might occur if Hurricane Frances hits the island.
"We are really trying to get prepared and we are only waiting to see what would happen. Hopefully It would go north of us," he said
Mayaguana - Necessary preparations in place
Mayaguana Administrator, Samuel Miller, reported that as of Tuesday evening, all necessary preparations are in place to secure government buildings and homes. He said that although residents were prepared, they were in "somber" mood.
"I would not say they are frightened, but they are concerned should the hurricane hit, but everyone is complying with the warnings," he said.
Mr Miller also pointed out that individuals needing medical help on the island were advised to seek shelter at the government clinic. Residents in low-lying areas have also been advised to move into shelters, Mr Miller said.
Further, David Cates, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet office attached to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the Disaster Management Committee met on Tuesday morning and planned to deploy advance teams in the Family Islands to assist with any last minute preparations.
Mr Cates said NEMA is urging the public to take the Category Four hurricane threat "seriously," and persons should have already begun to take the necessary precautions.
According to NEMA, "impact teams" from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will also be dispatched some 24-48 in advance to the first island(s) scheduled to experience the brunt of Hurricane Frances.