Location: Northwest Bahamas
Event: The National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Northwest Bahamas as of 5:00AM Monday, November 7, 2022.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible somewhere within in the warning area within 48 hours. Residents and guests on the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Eleuthera, New Providence, and Andros are strongly encouraged to make appropriate preparations now.
Subtropical Storm Nicole is forecast to be a large storm and regardless of its exact path, is expected to bring a prolonged period of hazardous weather, including coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf and rip currents, and beach erosion. All residents and guests are encouraged to closely monitor the storm’s path and intensity at www.hurricanes.gov.
Nicole is moving toward the north-northwest at roughly 14 mph. Nicole is expected to turn towards the northeast and decrease in speed on Monday. Nicole is then predicted to move westward or northwest Tuesday through Thursday. The current forecast tracks has the center of Nicole approaching the Northwest Bahamas on Tuesday, moving near or over those islands on Wednesday, and approaching the east coast of Florida by Wednesday night. Nicole could be at or near hurricane intensity by Wednesday or Wednesday night while moving near the Northwest Bahamas.
Storm surge could raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate cost of the Northwest Bahamas.
Nicole is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches across the Northwest Bahamas Tuesday through Thursday.
Actions to Take:
· Ensure you have sufficient supply of prescription medications and potable water on hand.
· Monitor the National Hurricane Center website and local news for the latest forecast.
· Review local and emergency management organizations for information on emergency preparedness.
The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens living in and/or visiting this region to take certain basic precautions in preparation for a possible storm.
Supplies and Preparation:
If you are living in this region: Ensure your supplies of food, water, medications, and other essential items are secured. Check your generators; cut down any dead foliage and remove any debris around your home; secure any items that could become dangerous flying objects (patio furniture, umbrellas, barbeques, etc.); secure your house. Upper floors in high-rise buildings are at increased risk of windows being blown out, due to the fact that wind speed increases with height.
If you are a tourist: Talk to your hotel front desk to learn about the hotel’s emergency plan for a storm. Notify your family and friends of your whereabouts and your plans until the storm passes. Be sure to have an adequate supply of necessary prescriptions and medications on hand.
During the Storm:
Do not go outside, as flying debris is lethal;
Do not watch the storm from beaches as storm surge, riptides, and rogue waves are hazardous;
Stay inside in an interior room of your residence (bathroom, large closet, or pantry). Choose a room with little or no windows that is located away from the exterior wall of the residence;
Stay off your home/cell phone and radio. Keep all means of communication available for an emergency;
If a member of your family sustains an injury during the storm, report the injury and degree of severity to the local authorities as soon as possible.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas
#42 Queen Street
Nassau, The Bahamas
Emergencies: 1-242-322-1181
Non-Emergency inquiries: ACSNassau@state.gov
Website: https://bs.usembassy.gov/ or follow on Twitter and Facebook
Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
1-202-501-4444 from other countries or follow on Twitter and Facebook
