A hurricane warning has been issued for the Central and Southeast Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, due to Hurricane Melissa. The affected areas include Exuma and its Cays, Inagua, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Long Island, San Salvador, Cat Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Mayaguana, and all of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has advised residents to shelter in place starting at 10:00 pm on October 28. According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, if Hurricane Melissa continues along its projected path, these regions can expect violent winds, heavy rainfall leading to flooding, and coastal inundation from Wednesday through Thursday.
Due to expected impacts from the hurricane, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau will operate on a limited basis on Thursday, October 30. Routine visa services and other consular appointments will not be available that day.
Residents in certain Bahamian islands have been instructed by local authorities to evacuate. "Follow the evacuation order issued by the Government of The Bahamas if you are in Inagua, Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana or Ragged Island. Local Family Island Administrators have details on evacuation schedules and transportation arrangements."
For those in the Turks and Caicos Islands: "If you are in the Turks and Caicos Islands shelter in place beginning at 10:00 pm tonight and follow the Turks and Caicos Islands government updates and videos here."
U.S. citizens who may be affected by Hurricane Melissa are encouraged to leave while it is still safe or prepare to shelter in place. Flooding is likely in low-lying areas; people should avoid these locations or stay put until conditions improve.
Authorities recommend having emergency supplies such as water, non-perishable food items, and fuel ready. Residents should monitor updates from local news outlets as well as official sources like the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) and Bahamas Department of Meteorology (https://met.gov.bs/).
Additional information can be found via The Bahamas DRM Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/drm.gov.bs/) or through updates from the Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands Press Office website (https://gov.tc/pressoffice/).
The U.S. Embassy Nassau provides assistance for U.S. citizens via their website (Homepage – U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas), phone (+1(242) 461-5025), or email (ACSNassau@state.gov). Further travel information about The Bahamas is available at [The Bahamas International Travel Information](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Bahamas.html).