NASSAU, The Bahamas – The National Emergency Management Agency wishes to advise residents of west Grand Bahama that shelter services at New Life Christian Centre, located Coral Road, Freeport, have been relocated to the Maurice Moore Primary School, Sandcombe Drive, Arden Forest, Freeport.

 Six shelters were activated in Grand Bahama (two in Freeport, two in Eight-Mile Rock, and one each in Pinedale, Seagrape and Holmes’ Rock) and one in Bimini (Gateway in Bailey Town) at 10am as a precautionary measure against potential impacts from Tropical Storm-Force conditions associated with Hurricane Ian. All shelters will remain open throughout tonight: “and for as long as it is deemed necessary.”

 Persons seeking shelter in the aforementioned areas are asked to do so during daylight hours, where possible, to ensure their safety. The order to activate the shelters was given by Captain Russell, Director, the National Emergency Management Agency. Captain Russell further announced that Floodwater Rescue Teams have been pre-positioned in West End and Alice Town as yet another precautionary measure.

 Meanwhile, a Tropical Storm Warning remained in effect for the islands of Bimini and Grand Bahama. Residents in those islands can expect Tropical Storm conditions within 36 hours. The threat of possible severe weather and localized flash flooding continues across the northwest Bahamas, Boaters and beachgoers in the northwest Bahamas are advised to remain out of the water due to hazardous beaching and boating conditions. Boaters ad beachgoers in the Central and southeast Bahamas should exercise caution due to the threat of dangerous rip currents along eat and south coast beaches.

WEATHER FOR THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS

Cloudy to overcast, humid and windy with scattered showers and isolated embedded thunderstorms through tomorrow. Showers will be heavy and thunderstorms strong-to-severe at times. Expect flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.