The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HEAVY downpours and thunderstorms associated with Tropical Storm Arthur have soaked Grand Bahama, dumping more than seven inches of rain over the past two days, causing severe flooding in the low-lying communities of Hawksbill and Regency Park Subdivisions.

Grand Cay was severely affected, with power outage and loss of potable water. Grand Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville said that the Ministry of Works and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have been notified, and are mobilising a team to the small island to restore critical services.

He also noted that the relevant authorities at the Ministry of Works and the Grand Bahama Port Authority have been contacted to assess the drains in the Hawksbill and Regency Park areas. Residents in the southern communities of Mack Town and Hunters experienced power outage overnight, but services had been restored by yesterday afternoon.

Residents in Freeport fared better. There was some flooding of streets, but no major flooding problems were reported at the Fishing Hole Road.

Although Arthur has moved away from the Bahamas, weather officials in Freeport said that Grand Bahama could still expect to experience some difficult conditions.

It is anticipated that the island will experience swells on the north shore and rainy conditions from the outer bands are expected. Winds have dropped to 12 knots.

An official at the weather department in Freeport reported that Grand Bahama recorded some 1.5 inches of rainfall on Tuesday. Yesterday, 6.69 inches were recorded and an additional 0.81 inch, bringing the total to some 7.38 inches.

• See the weather latest - and more on Tropical Storm Arthur - on page 14 of our Business section today.