Dorian strengthens to Category 4 hurricane with 130 mile-per-hour winds
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As Hurricane Dorian is expected to severely impact Grand Bahama in the coming days, evacuation orders have been given for the nation’s second city.
Head of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) operations in Grand Bahama, Don Cornish, advised residents in the impacted zones to take heed of the warnings.
“We are encouraging everybody in those areas to fully cooperate with us,” Cornish said.
Evacuation orders have been released for Sweeting’s Cay, Water Cay, Gold Rock Creek North & South, Freetown, Pelican Point, Rocky Creek, McClean’s Town, Grand Cay, Deep Water Cay, and Queen’s Cove in East Grand Bahama, while Gambier Point, Bevan’s Town, High Rock, Smith’s Point, and Mather Town are asked to be on alert or move inland.
In West Grand Bahama, West End, Bootle Bay, and Bahama Beach have received evacuation orders, while Deadman’s Reef, Holmes Rock, Seagrape, Jones Town, Russell Town, Martin Town, Pine Dale and Hanna Hill are asked to be on alert or move inland.
While speaking with Eyewitness News at the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama, which is also serving as headquarters for NEMA during the storm watch, Cornish said that when the storm arrives there is no guarantee that NEMA representatives will be able to rescue residents in affected areas.
“Obviously once the winds get to a certain [strength], we’re not going to be able to respond,” Cornish said. “We may not have the resources to come after persons who are in harm’s way.”
Cornish stressed the importance of getting to safer grounds.
“Go and seek shelter with a relative, or friend or come to one of the designated shelters so that we can protect you as best as we can give that the shelter can provide some degree of support.
At last update, Hurricane Dorian intensified to a Category 4 storm and is expected to strengthen as it reaches Grand Bahama.
A hurricane warning is in effect for North Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama, Bimini, The Berry Islands and New Providence meaning, hurricane conditions are expected in these areas within the next 36 hours.
Meanwhile North Andros is on hurricane watch for possible Hurricane conditions in the next 48 hours.
