Weather Forecast August 18 - 23, 2017

GENERAL SITUATION: An upper level low in combination with a tropical wave will enhance convective activity across the SE and Central Bahamas today and they continue westward through the NW Bahamas on Friday. Meanwhile, a broad surface high pressure will maintain moderate to fresh breezes across the Central and SE Bahamas as it maneuver up and down the western Atlantic Ocean through early next week. From Sunday into early next week there is the potential for tropical cyclone formation that should be watched with a very keen eye, as the tropics become very active at this time of year.

Friday 18th – Mostly sunny, hot and humid with few isolated showers or thunderstorms across the NW and Central Bahamas, turning partly cloudy at night... [Read more]

Hurricane Gert Morning Update

News Item on Hurricane Gert Morning Update

This is a News Item on Hurricane Gert issued by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology Forecast Office Section at 6:00 AM Wednesday, 16 TH AUGUST, 2017.

… GERT STRENGTHENS A LITTLE MORE WHILE IT ACCELERATES NORTHEASTWARD ...

AT 5:00 AM EDT, THE CENTER OF HURRICANE GERT WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 36.0° NORTH AND LONGITUDE 68.4° WEST OR ABOUT 330 MILES NORTHWEST OF BERMUDA. HURRICANE GERT IS MOVING TOWARD THE... [Read more]

Tropical Storm Franklin

News Item on Tropical Storm Franklin

News Item on Tropical Storm Franklin issued by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology Forecast Office Section, at6 AM Thursday 10TH AUGUST 2017.

... FRANKLIN WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM AS IT MOVES FARTHER INLAND OVER EASTERN MEXICO...

AT 6 AM EDT, THE CENTER OF FRANKLIN WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 19.6°NORTH AND LONGITUDE 97.6° WEST OR ABOUT 75 MILES SOUTH OF TUXPAN, MEXICO OR 105 MILES WEST-NORTHWEST OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO.

FRANKLIN IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST AT 15 MPH, AND... [Read more]

Forecasters predict an above average hurricane season for 2017

As hurricane season begins, forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say all signs point to another active hurricane season. Although The Bahamas usually becomes more concerned with activity between August and November, after suffering direct hits from two major hurricanes in the last two years Bahamians are taking no chances.

According to NOAA, there will be approximately 9-11 ...
[Read more]

Your Local Forecast

Tips on preparing your home for a storm

• Clear away any debris in your yard and bring any loose items such as patio furniture inside or anchor them securely


• Trim trees


• Repair any leaks or damaged areas of your roof


• Clean your gutters and clear any drains


• Prepare shutters or plywood to cover all windows


• Prepare sandbags for use at entryways to help keep out potential floodwater


• Clean out your freezer and refrigerator removing all perishable items. Turn the refrigerator on MAXIMUM COLD and open as little as possible


• Close and secure all propane tanks


• Fill your tub and other bottles with tap water for bathing and general use

Hurricane Checklist

FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY

• WATER– 1 gallon per day per person for 7-10 days


• FOOD– nonperishable canned or pack-aged food (i.e.– peanut butter, crack-ers, granola/cereal bars, cereal, chips, dried/canned fruit, nuts, canned meats, dried pasta, baby food, etc.)


• Manual can opener


• Propane camp stove w/ extra fuel


• Disposable cups, plates & utensils


• Cooking tools (small pot & pan, metal utensils)


• Hand Sanitizer


• Toiletries (toilet paper, baby wipes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)


• Prescription medications


• First aid kit (bandaids, gauze, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, cortisone ointment/gel for bug bites, painkillers, etc.)


• Insect repellent


• Sunscreen


• Bug spray


• Bleach


• Water purification tablets (chlorine)


• Trash bags


• Toolkit (duct tape, pocket knife, multi-tool, etc.)


• Flashlight w/ extra batteries


• Battery operated radio


• Important documents (keys, pass-ports, all photo identification, insur-ance papers, medical records, bank cards & records, national insurance and/or social security cards all sealed in a watertight re-sealable plastic bag)


• Closed shoes (in the event of floodwater)


• Extra clothing


• Pillows & blankets


• Towels


• Books, games, & toys


• Axe (in the event of rising floodwaters an axe can be a critical tool to break into your attic or out through your roof)


• Generator w/ extra diesel or gasoline


• Full tank of gas in your car


• Extra cash as ATMs may not work

FOR YOUR PET

• Ample food & water supply


• Proper identification


• Immunization records


• Medications


• Carrier/cage


• Leash & muzzle

Please remember to make plans for your pet in the event of evacuation. Many shel-ters do not accept animals. Please never leave your pets tied outside during a storm.

The Saffir-Simpson Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is the scale used to measure the intensity of hurricanes. It has 5 categories with a category 5 being the strongest and most destructive marked by sustained winds exceeding 157mph.

Category 1 - Sustained winds 74-95mph
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Category 2 - Sustained winds 96-110mph
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3 - Sustained winds 111-129mph
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category 4 - Sustained winds 130-156mph
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5 - Sustained winds 157mph+
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.