Hurricane Milton: Bahamas Prime Minister Announces School Closures and Preparations

Hurricane Milton Update: Bahamas Prime Minister Announces School Closures and Preparations

Prime Minister Phillip Davis has announced the closure of schools on some islands in the Bahamas and urged nationals to be prepared for tropical storm conditions as Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen as it approaches the western coast of Florida in the United States.

In a nationwide broadcast, Prime Minister Davis said that the Met Office has upgraded the status for islands in the Northern Bahamas from a ‘Tropical Storm Watch’ to a ‘Tropical Storm Warning’ as the Category 5 hurricane is expected to hit Florida later on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Conditions Expected in Northern Bahamas

"This means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours on the islands of Abaco, Bimini, Grand Bahama, and the surrounding cays. While the threat is not as significant as that of the hurricane threat posed to our neighbors in Florida, we still need to take it seriously," Prime Minister Davis said.

He said that because of the heavy flooding expected to result from this, after consulting with the Minister of Education, he is announcing that all schools on those islands will be closed until Friday for in-person teaching.

"We do not want our young people having to navigate large areas of flooding while getting to and from school," he added.

Preparation and Safety Measures

Davis emphasized that tropical storms are nothing new for the Bahamas, given that "year after year we are told how we must prepare, and ready ourselves and our homes to keep us all safe."

"But we know how quickly things can change. This storm, in particular, has intensified extremely rapidly. And so, within the next 24 hours, it is important that you do all you can to stay safe," he said, adding that the Disaster Risk Management Authority has issued detailed guidance on preparing.

"Please don’t wait. If you haven’t already done so, start preparing immediately," Prime Minister Davis said, adding that the Met Office advises that tropical storm winds will be experienced on Abaco, Bimini, Grand Bahama, and the surrounding cays as Hurricane Milton passes over Florida.

Conclusion

As a country, we have faced the challenges of tropical storms and hurricanes before and have emerged more robust each time. Let us remain vigilant, prepared, and ready to act to ensure the safety of all Bahamians.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the status of the storm as it approaches the Bahamas?

The Met Office has upgraded the status for islands in the Northern Bahamas from a ‘Tropical Storm Watch’ to a ‘Tropical Storm Warning’ as the Category 5 hurricane is expected to hit Florida later on Wednesday.

What is the expected impact of the storm on the Bahamas?

Heavy flooding is expected on the islands of Abaco, Bimini, Grand Bahama, and the surrounding cays, with tropical storm winds also expected to be experienced in the area.

What measures is the government taking to prepare for the storm?

The government is activating the Broadcast Alert System on all mobile phones, urging people to stay informed and follow the advice given. Schools on the affected islands have been closed until Friday for in-person teaching, and the Disaster Risk Management Authority has issued detailed guidance on preparing for the storm.

What is the government’s message to the public?

The government is urging citizens to remain vigilant, prepared, and ready to act to ensure their safety during the storm. It is emphasizing the importance of taking extra precautions and being prepared for the unexpected.