Weather Alert - U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas (October 19, 2024)
Location: the islands of the Southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands
Event: A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the islands of the Southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This includes the islands of Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Ragged Island, Inagua and the entire Turks and Caicos Islands. A Hurricane Warning means that Hurricane conditions could be experienced on these islands within 36 hours.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has warned residents in Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Ragged Island, Inagua and the entire Turks and Caicos Islands that they should rush to prepare for possible Hurricane or strong Tropical Storm conditions beginning tonight and Sunday morning. This includes winds in excess of 50 MPH and up to 70 MPH with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms which could include tornadic activity and flooding. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with isolated amounts up to 6 inches are expected in these islands
Residents in Grand Turk are now beginning to experience tropical storm winds which would increase to possible hurricane-force winds later tonight. These conditions will spread into the entire Turks and Caicos Islands later this evening and tonight and continue until soon after midnight. Residents in the Central Bahamas should continue pay close attentions to all further Alerts on Hurricane Oscar issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid travel to the areas forecast to be impacted by the hurricane until the storm has dissipated.
- Residents in or near known flood-prone areas should take extra precautions.
- Water inundation along coastal roads is expected and will worsen during high tide. Avoid these areas if possible.
- Water craft should have sought safe harbor for their vessels and should remain in port until conditions are deemed safe.
- Monitor the local news, the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml#Milton), Bahamas Department of Meteorology website (https://met.gov.bs/ and https://www.facebook.com/242MetService/), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) websites (https://www.noaa.gov/) for updates.
- Seek secure shelter.
- Visit the Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) website for long-range forecasts of hurricane, typhoon and cyclone worldwide (https://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/) for updated storm tracking information.
- Contact your airline directly for cancelled flight information or to re-book your travel.
Assistance:
