The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

HURRICANE shelters across the country were being made ready as of 7am as Hurricane Sandy ploughed its course into The Bahamas.

Last night the eye of Sandy was between Jamaica and Cuba and hurricane conditions were expected across The Bahamas today.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said: “I am advising residents to heed the warnings issued by the Met Department and rely on their expertise for your safety and well-being. “Government offices, except for emergency personnel, will remain closed Thursday and Friday.

“Businesses, including banks are also being advised to remain closed Thursday and Friday, based on the timeline given by the Met Department that New Providence would be impacted as of 1pm Thursday.”

Sandy was upgraded to a hurricane from a tropical storm at 11am yesterday when it reached wind speeds of 80mph and it continued to move in a northerly direction at 14mph.

The Department of Meteorology warned to brace for “strong, gusty winds” and flooding in low-lying areas. Windows should be secured as should outdoor furniture and debris “which could become flying missiles in strong winds.”

Trevor Basden of the Met Department said there was a chance Sandy could potentially weaken as it crosses land, but Bahamians should still be prepared.

“As Sandy impacts Jamaica we do expect it to weaken slightly to below hurricane strength and then it is expected to cross Cuba early Thursday morning and further weakening is expected.

“However, if this is not realised then we can be expecting hurricane force winds in the central and northwest Bahamas on Thursday.”

AccuWeather meteorologist Erik Pindrock said rainfall amounts of between five and 10 inches were expected by the time the rain tapers off on Friday. He said the greatest potential for storm surge would be this afternoon into Friday morning.

The Ministry of Social Services has activated 131 shelters across the Family Islands and 24 shelters in New Providence which will be staffed by Social Services workers as well as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Full lists of shelters are further on in The Tribune’s storm coverage pages.

Residents who believe their homes may be compromised in the storm can stay in the shelters and are advised to bring food, water, blankets, and medicines. No pets will be allowed.

The Ministry of the Environment said “the inclement weather will also affect garbage collection” but every effort will be made to complete the scheduled routes.

Depository bins are available at the front entrance of the Harrold Road disposal site for community use.

Ministry of Works drainage contractors will help combat flooding.

Director of Public Works, John Canton said: “We mobilised drainage contractors to ensure that those areas that are particularly vulnerable will have their drains reviewed and cleared as necessary in advance of expected, extraordinary rain events and possibly storm surge on the southern shores.”

All tourists within the southeastern, central and northwestern Bahamas have been alerted and warned to “pay close attention” to hurricane warnings.

Super Value shops were due to open at 7am but will close at noon.

Sandy was yesterday listed as a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the centre and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the centre.