Grand Bahama, Abaco still reeling from Hurricane Dorian

NASSAU, BAHAMAS- A tropical storm warning has been issued for the northwest Bahamas, including Grand Bahama and Abaco, which was smashed by Hurricane Dorian just over a week ago.

In an advisory, the Department of Meteorology said the potential tropical cyclone nine over the southern Bahamas is being monitored for possible cyclone development

The islands under tropical storm warning also include, the Berry Islands, Bimini, New Providence, Eleuthera and Andros.

As of 5 p.m. the center of the weather disturbance was located around 187 miles southeast of New Providence and 235 miles southeast of Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the weather system travelling toward the northwest Bahamas has a 70 per cent chance of developing into a tropical storm.

Based on satellite-derived winds and surface observations, the center said ‘nine’ has not yet developed into a close circulation and winds were not strong as this time.

However, it said surface pressures remain low and environmental conditions are favorable for a tropical depression or tropical storm to form within the next day or two as the system moves toward the northwest at five to 10 miles per hour through the northwestern Bahamas and Florida.

Regardless of its formation, the weather disturbance is expected to being heavy rainfall and strong winds to portions of The Bahamas through Friday, including areas of the north west affected by Hurricane Dorian.

The center said, “Potential tropical cyclone advisories could be needed later today or Friday, and interests in the central and northwestern Bahamas as well as Florida should monitor the progress of this disturbance.

While ‘nine’ has a 70 per cent change of developing in the next 48 hours, it has a 80 percent chance of formation in the next five days.

The department advised mariners and residents to remain vigilant for possible waterspout and tornadic activity. It added that beachgoers should exercise caution due to the risk of dangerous rip currents in low lying and flood prone areas.

Humanitarian efforts are still underway in Grand Bahama and Abaco following the widespread destruction caused by Dorian, a Category 5 storm that made landfall on September 1 and hovered over Abaco and Grand Bahamas for nearly 70 hours.

Thousands have been displaced. The death toll has climbed to a confirmed 50 and is expected to rise. The government has said the death toll is expected to be staggering. A host of regional and international agencies remain on the ground on both affected islands seeking to assist the displaced with emergency relief and supplies.