#Nassau, August 30, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister the Most Hon.
Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the emergency evacuation of residents of the
northern cays of Abaco to mainland Abaco, and urged residents of West End, East
End and Sweeting’s Cay and Water’s Cay in Grand Bahama to move to the interior
of the island.
“Let me be extremely clear, those who
refuse to evacuate, place themselves in great danger from this very powerful
and potentially life-threatening hurricane, which will bring dangerously strong
and high storm surges – one of the greatest threats from a hurricane,” Prime
Minister said today at a 12pm live national press briefing on Hurricane Dorian.
The Prime Minister reminded residents that emergency
personnel and assistance will be unavailable during the immediate impact of the
hurricane for those in the projected path who do not evacuate.
Those who are evacuating should secure and
bring identification with them, including passports, NIB cards and other forms
of ID, as well as medication, clothing and toiletries adequate for several days.
“Hurricane Dorian is forecasted to become a
Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of approximately 140 mph, with
stronger gusts. Dorian is moving slowly, which adds to the danger of this very
powerful storm,” said the Prime Minister.
A Hurricane watch is now in effect for the
islands of the Northwest Bahamas, including Abaco, Grand Bahama, Bimini, the
Berry Islands, North Eleuthera, North Andros and New Providence.
Hurricane Dorian is expected to cross Abaco
and the Abaco cays, and is also expected to impact most of Grand Bahama,
starting Saturday into Sunday.
“Let me again emphasize that because of the
wind speed, rain and expected storm surge, mixed with the spring tide, this is
a very powerful and extremely dangerous hurricane,” said Prime Minister Minnis.
A storm surge of 12-15ft is expected and
may be exacerbated by the current Spring Tide. New Providence, and other
islands in the northwest Bahamas are expected to experience tropical storm
winds.
Release: Office of the Prime Minister