Update on Tropical Storm Nicole and The Islands of The Bahamas
Wednesday, 08 November 2022 – 11:00AM EST
NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) continues to track the progress of Tropical Storm Nicole, which is currently traveling toward the west near 12MPH as it moves over the Abacos and will continue to bring tropical storm conditions across the Northwest Bahamas.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco and The Berry Islands, with those islands currently experiencing deteriorating weather conditions. A tropical storm warning is now in effect for the island of Bimini.
Tropical storm warnings have been discontinued for the Islands of Eleuthera, New Providence and Andros.
All islands in the Northwest and Central Bahamas remain under close monitoring for storm progress. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 miles per hour with higher gusts and tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 460 miles from the centre. Strong tropical force winds are reported to be impacting Abaco as of 10AM this morning. Strengthening is expected today as Nicole is forecast to become a category 1 hurricane later this evening, near or over Little Abaco and Grand Bahama in the Northwest Bahamas. It is expected to remain a hurricane when it approaches the East Coast of Florida tonight. As of 2:00PM EST, the centre of Tropical Storm Nicole was located about:
- 40 miles east-southeast of Sweeting’s Cay, Grand Bahama
- 100 miles north of new providence
- and 130 miles east-northeast of Alice Town, Bimini
Residents and visitors in the Northwest Bahamas, particularly on the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco are being advised to seek shelter indoors when weather conditions deteriorate. Storm surge could raise tide levels by as much six feet and is impacting the coastal shores of Abaco.Large swells generated by Nicole will affect the Northwest Bahamas for the next several days and are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Boaters are advised to remain in port.
The following airports remain closed until Thursday, 10 November subject to clearance from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology:
Andros: San Andros Airport (SAQ) (MYAN)
- Abaco: Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) (MYAT)
- Abaco: Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH) (MYAM)
- Abaco: Sandy Point Airport (YAS) (MYAS)
- Abaco: Moorse Island Airport (MYAO)
- The Berry Islands: Great Harbour Cay Airport (GHC) (MYBG)
- Bimini: South Bimini Airport (BIM) (MYBG)
- Grand Bahama: Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) (MYGF)
- Eleuthera: Rock Sound Airport (RSD) (MYER)
- Eleuthera: Governor’s Harbour Airport (GHB) (MYEM)
- Eleuthera: North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) (MYEH)
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 Tropical Storm Nicole and will provide updates at www.bahamas.com. For further information visit www.nhc.noaa.gov.