Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Central Bahamas

The Bahamas Meteorology Department has issued a watch for the Central Bahamas including Cat Island, The Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.  Tropical Storm conditions are expected there within 48 hours.  A warning has been issued for Inagua, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins and Ragged Island, with tropical conditions likely within 36 hours there.
 
Emily is not expected to become a hurricane while over The Bahamas, but sustained tropical storm winds could result in a temporary closure of some airports and flight cancellations.  We will keep you apprised of airport and airline status.  Sustained winds are presently 50 mph.  It’s located 125 miles south of the Dominican Republic and moving at 14 mph.  It’s expected to weaken over Hispaniola and again regroup and strengthen, still at tropical storm level, as it enters the southern Bahamas.
 
The Met Department advises residents of the central and southeast Bahamas to ensure that all precautions have been taken.  These measures can be viewed at:  www.bahamashurricaneprep.com, a readiness website developed by PLANIT NOW in cooperation with BHA, Kerzner Int’l, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, and the National Emergency Management Agency.  Small craft operators in the central and southeast Bahamas should closely monitor the progress of Emily and not venture far from port.