Statement #2 - Subtropical Storm Nicole and The Islands of The Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) continues to track the progress of Subtropical Storm Nicole, which is expected to bring tropical storm conditions as early as Tuesday night over the Northwest Bahamas.   

A hurricane warning is currently in effect for the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, and The Berry Islands, indicating that hurricane conditions could affect the islands within 36 hours. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the islands of Eleuthera, New Providence and Andros, indicating that tropical storm conditions could affect the islands within 36 hours. Islands in the Central Bahamas remain under close monitoring of storm progress. 

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 miles per hour with higher gusts and winds of 40 miles per hour extending outward up to 380 miles from the centre. Nicole is expected to make a transition to a Tropical Storm later today and begin strengthening. It is forecast to be near or at hurricane strength by Wednesday or Wednesday night while it is moving near or over the Northwest Bahamas.  

Residents and visitors in the Northwest Bahamas islands are being advised to prepare for these conditions. Boaters should remain in port or move vessels to safe harbour. Out of an abundance of caution, the following airports will close on Tuesday, 08 November at sunset and remain closed until Thursday, 10 November subject to clearance from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology:  

  • Andros: San Andros Airport (SAQ) 
  • Abaco: Treasure Cay Airport (TCB), Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH), Sandy Point Airport (YAS), Moorse Island Airport (MYAO) 
  • The Berry Islands: Great Harbour Cay Airport (GHC) 
  • Bimini: South Bimini Airport (BIM) 
  • Grand Bahama: Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) 
  • Eleuthera: Rock Sound Airport (RSD), Governor’s Harbour Airport (GHB), North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) 

At this time, additional airports and ports in the Northwest Bahamas remain open for business; however, residents and visitors are advised to check directly with airlines and hotels regarding possible impacts on travel plans. Conditions will continue to be assessed and updated accordingly based on storm progress and in coordination with information from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology.  

The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles; there could be a tropical storm or hurricane warning for parts of the country while other parts remain unaffected.   

The BMOTIA continues to monitor Subtropical Storm Nicole and will provide updates at www.bahamas.com. For further information visit www.nhc.noaa.gov.  

 

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