Location: Turks and Caicos Islands, Southeastern Bahamas (including: the Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana, and the Ragged Islands)
Event: The National Hurricane Center advises Tropical Storm Fiona is now Hurricane Fiona. It is forecasted to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern islands of the Bahamas (including: the Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana, and the Ragged Islands) within the next 48 hours. Fiona is presently located 50 miles (80km) south of Puerto Rico and moving in a west-northwest motion at 8 mph (13 km/h). Fiona currently has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h), and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km) from the center.
The National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Turks and Caicos Islands and Southeastern Bahamas (including: the Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana, and the Ragged Islands). A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Heavy rains and wind from Fiona are predicted to reach the Turks and Caicos Islands by Tuesday morning. Fiona is currently forecast to produce 3 to 6 inches of rainfall in Turks and Caicos. This rainfall may produce considerable flood impacts, including flash and urban flooding, along with mudslides in areas of higher terrain.
Swells generated by Fiona are causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
All residents are encouraged to closely monitor the storm’s path and intensity at www.hurricanes.gov as slight shifts in the storm track can change the predicted areas of impact.
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