Hurricane. Photo Shutter Stock Hurricane Melissa continues to alarm the Caribbean: An official hurricane warning is in effect for the central and southeastern Bahamas, indicating severe storm conditions are expected within 36 hours on many islands.
The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has instructed all residents to stay indoors starting from 10:00 PM tonight (between Tuesday and Wednesday, local time).
According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, if the hurricane continues on its expected path, it will bring particularly strong winds, heavy rainfall, extensive flooding, and massive waves along the coastlines from Wednesday to Thursday.
Local government has issued guidelines for residents and travelers to exercise caution:
- Follow evacuation orders from the Bahamas government and evacuate according to the directions of island administrators.
- In Turks and Caicos residents should stay indoors from 10:00 PM and stay follow local government announcements.
- U.S. citizens in the area are advised to consider leaving while it is safe to do so, or prepare for extended home sheltering.
- Everyone should stock up on water, dry food, fuel, and additional emergency supplies.
Updates are provided on official websites, including the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Bahamas Meteorology Service, the Bahamas DRM Facebook page, and the press office website of the Turks and Caicos government.