Hurricane Joaquin continues to strengthen
It is important to note that The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and keys, spread over 100,000 square miles. There could be a tropical storm or hurricane warning for the southern islands and the central and northern islands remain unaffected. In essence, hurricanes rarely affect the entire country.
All hotels and resorts throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas have activated their hurricane programs and are taking all necessary precautions to protect visitors and residents, as safety remains the highest priority
As a result of the Hurricane Warning, at least three cruise lines have rerouted their ships to avoid Hurricane Joaquin. Carnival has altered its Eastern Caribbean itineraries for Pride and Valor, Princess replaced Royal Princess’ call at the line’s private island, and Norwegian has canceled Getaway’s Nassau call scheduled for later this week.
A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the Northwest Bahamas, including The Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and New Providence. A Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.
At 2 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Joaquin was located near latitude 24.4 degrees north and longitude 72.9 degrees west. This is about 90 miles east of San Salvador or about 190 miles east-southeast of Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera and about 255 miles east of New Providence.
Hurricane Joaquin is moving toward the southwest near 6 miles per hour. A turn toward the northwest and a decrease in forward speed is forecast on Thursday or Thursday night. On the forecast track, the center of Joaquin is expected to move near or over portions of the Central Bahamas tonight or Thursday.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the center.
Residents in the Warning areas, especially San Salvador and Cat Island, could begin to experience Tropical Storm force winds tonight and should rush to complete preparation for the impact of Joaquin, which is anticipated to include severe flooding. Residents in Watch areas should also continue preparation for the possible impact of Joaquin, including severe flooding due to heavy rainfall.
Small craft operators throughout the Bahamas should remain in port, as large swells and battering waves will affect The Bahamas during the next few days.
The Islands Of The Bahamas will be releasing updates on tracking of Hurricane Joaquin, but we encourage everyone to access the National Hurricane Center and The Weather Channel for latest updates. For more information on Hurricane Joaquin and The Islands Of The Bahamas, travel professionals and consumers are advised to access the following:
The National Hurricane Center at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
The Weather Channel at: http://www.weather.com/
Media contact: Mia Weech-Lange, Email: mlange@bahamas.com , Telephone: 954-236-9292
Mia Weech-Lange
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
561-655-1530
email us here
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