Hurricane season is officially here. In addition to COVID-19 challenges, residents will now have to get prepared for annual storms. The Bahamas is now on Tropical Storm Watch.
A Tropical Storm Watch is essentially a warning that tropical storm conditions may appear within 48 hours. Tropical Storm Laura is expected to strengthen to a category one hurricane by early next week.
Currently, only the Southeast islands of the Bahamas are on storm watch. This includes Iguana, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins, Ragged Islands, Long Cay, and Samana Cay. Residents of Long Island, Cat Island, Exuma, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Eleuthera, and South Andros are also advised to take caution.
As of 5 am, the centre of the storm was located approximately 305 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands or about 860 miles east-southeast of Grand Turk and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Maximum winds are near 35 miles per hour with high gusts.
The path of the storm may change in the coming days. If the storm strengthens, COVID-19 restrictions may temporarily ease to allow residents to get necessary supplies and travel to safety.
Residents should keep a close eye on the weather over the next few days and prepare for stormy weather. Now is the time to make sure hurricane supplies are replenished and up to date.
