Tropical Storm Emily downgraded but rain still expected
The Tribune
Friday – August 5th, 2011
TROPICAL Storm Emily weakened and has been down graded to a low pressure trough but will still produce significant rain say officials.
According to the Department of Meteorology, which issued its final alert yesterday evening, Tropical Storm Emily has degenerated into a trough of low pressure but will still produce heavy rains.
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has announced that all watches and warnings regarding Tropical Storm Emily have been discontinued for the islands of The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Basil Dean at the Department of Meteorology said remnants of Emily are currently 100 miles south-southwest of the Eastern tip of Cuba, moving toward the northwest at 16 miles per hour with a maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour.
Earlier yesterday The Tribune was told that the Island of Inagua was on lockdown today as residents prepared for the arrival of Tropical Storm Emily.
The storm was expected to bring about eight inches of rain and strong winds to the island, which was projected to get the worst of the storm.
Meteorologists predict residents in Inagua should begin to experience heavy winds and rain by this afternoon, as the storm passes over Haiti and eastern Cuba.
Inspector Dennis Brown said the economy of the island has completely shut down as residents prepare their homes and business.
He said: “Everyone is prepared for the chance the storm hits us. We are just waiting to see if it comes and how bad it will be.
“At least 25 people have already moved into the first shelter since yesterday afternoon.
“The second shelter hasn’t been activated yet but it is on stand by and ready in case it is needed. The command centre is also set up but not activated. We are just closely monitoring the progress. We do not want to be caught off guard. Ike is still fresh in the minds of these people and they do not want to go through another disaster.”
Inspector Brown also said all businesses have been closed since 6pm Wednesday, and won’t open until next Monday or Tuesday.
He added: “Everything is closed. It looks like a ghost town. Only the police station remains open. No one is going on the water and boaters that have left are expected to return before the storm hits. It may not be a category 4 storm, but we will be prepared.”
Last night, the Department of Meteorology issued tropical storm warning for central and southeast Bahamas, which included Inagua, Mayaguana, Crooked and Acklins Island, Ragged Island, Cat Island, great Exuma and is Cays, Long island, Rum Cay and San Salvador but at 6pm yesterday down graded the storm.
In Freeport the Grand Bahama Power Company said on its website that it had activated its emergency response plan in preparation for the storm, which had also threatened Grand Bahama and the central Bahamas.
Emily is expected to weaken during the next 24 hours as it interacts with the high terrain of Haiti and eastern Cuba.
Some strengthening is possible when the system moves over the Bahamas on Friday afternoon.
The Meteorological Office officials say residents should brace themselves for periods of heavy rain.
By Sancheska Brown