Shelters in Grand Bahama activated ahead of schedule

Shelters in Grand Bahama activated ahead of schedule

Meteorologist Trinard Tynes speaking with Government officials and Emergency/Disaster Responders regarding Hurricane Milton's path on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Four shelters in Grand Bahama have been opened ahead of schedule on advisement of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. (BIS Photo/Jamika Culmer)

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas - Four shelters set to open in Grand Bahama Thursday morning were activated hours ahead of schedule on advisement from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology Thursday night, as Hurricane Milton made his trek across the southern Florida Peninsula and moved toward the northeast.

With the Northern Bahamas, which includes Grand Bahama, the Abacos and Bimini, under a tropical storm warning, the Meteorology Department forecasted that Grand Bahama would begin to feel the effects of Milton with strong winds as of midnight that could prove too difficult to maneuver in, prompting officials to open those shelters at 8:00pm Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

The Eight Mile Rock High School Gymnasium was activated to accommodate shelterees in West Grand Bahama and for those needing shelter in Central Grand Bahama, the Foster B. Pestaina Centre, which is equipped to accommodate residents with special needs, St. George's High School Gymnasium and Maurice Moore Primary School were opened.

Residents took advantage of the early activation and reported to the shelters out of precaution.

Assistant Director of Social Services Jodie Burrows revealed that eight shelterees presented at the Eight Mile Rock High School Gymnasium; one at Maurice Moore Primary School and one at St. Georges.

As the Grand Bahama, Bimini and Abaco are expected to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, possible tornadic activity and flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, residents are still advised to traverse those areas with extreme caution and care.

As a result of the projected course of Hurricane Milton, the Cabinet Office has also advised of the closure of all Government offices in Grand Bahama, Bimini and Abaco, except for essential services, on Thursday, October 10, 2024.