Abaco prepared for Hurricane Dorian

Abaco prepared for Hurricane Dorian
Administrator Maxine Duncombe, Central Abaco District

15 shelters being readied on island

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Residents in Abaco yesterday began preparing for Hurricane Dorian as the Category 1 storm continues to strengthen into a “major hurricane”, and is expected to produce rainfall that may cause “life-threatening flash floods.”

Speaking to Eyewitness News Online, Abaco Island Administrator Maxine Duncombe said she was satisfied with the island’s preparedness up to this point.

“Abaco in general, we are used to preparing for hurricanes, and this storm is no different,” she said.

“We are monitoring the progress very closely because we know it is going to impact us this weekend. And so, in Marsh Harbour and Central Abaco, you will see that some of the businesses have already started to protect property by putting up shutters, and then you have persons [doing the same].

“The hardware stores are very busy. I was there this morning and people are making sure they get the necessary material to make sure their property is properly secured.”

Officials on the island met today at 2 p.m. to ensure the 15 shelters on the island are ready.

According to Duncombe, officials have a working list of residents who may need assistance, including transportation, in the event of evacuation.

Asked about the level of preparedness based on previous hurricane experiences, Duncombe said residents were taking the storm “very seriously”.

She said, “They are taking it very seriously and again, I would want to say to the general public and also to Abaconians in particular, to continue to monitor the progress of this storm; to stay vigilant, and to make sure you protect your life, and then your property.”

As of 8 a.m., the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advised that a hurricane alert was in effect for the islands in the northwest Bahamas.

These include New Providence, Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama, North Andros, Bimini and the Berry Islands.

Hurricane Dorian’s projected path

As of 11 a.m., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the risk of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-forced winds this weekend “continues to increase in the northwestern Bahamas”.

“Residents should have their hurricane plan in place and listen to advice given by local emergency officials,” the NOAA said. “There is an increasing likelihood of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Florida east coast late this weekend or early next week, although it is too soon to determine where the highest storm surge will occur.”

The NOAA added that regardless of the exact track of Dorian, heavy rains are expected to occur over portions of The Bahamas, Florida, and elsewhere in the southeastern United States and into the middle of next week.

Dorian was moving northwest at 13 miles per hour, and was expected to continue on that general track through Friday, before shifting west, northwest on Friday night.

The system has maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour, with higher gusts.

Dorian is expected to become a “major hurricane” Friday, and “remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through the weekend”.

Hurricane force winds are expected to extend outward up to 15 miles from the center of the system, and tropical storm winds up to 90 miles.

Dorian is also expected to produce up to two inches of rain over the central Bahamas, and three to six inches of rain over the northwestern Bahamas, and eight inches in isolation.

The NOAA noted that this rainfall may cause “life-threatening flash floods”.

About Royston Jones Jr.

Royston Jones Jr. is a senior digital reporter and occasional TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. Since joining Eyewitness News as a digital reporter in 2018, he has done both digital and broadcast reporting, notably providing the electoral analysis for Eyewitness News’ inaugural election night coverage, “Decision Now 2021”.

4 comments

you guys prepare or leave , i wont waste your time and intelligence bt pretending thoughts and prayers matter , you know what to do , good luck !!!

Prayers do matter. God be with the people for he is stronger then any man standing alonel

Why doesn’t someone put some news out, in videos, online, on YT, for us to see what’s going on there. I lived in Marsh Harbour in 1968, when I was 9 years old. It was wonderful, but when the job finished we moved from Marsh Harbour. I still remember it and lots of people. I’d love to return, but can’t right now, especially when Hurricane Dorian is coming by.
Please, all of you lovely Bahamians, take videos with your cel phone & post them on YT with Marsh Harbour, Abaco in the name, so I can find them. And document what this hurricane does to the town & Island…people in the world besides me care about you want to see. Besides, if you need help, & they can SEE IT, they might help you. Thank You!

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