FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – With six shelters activated in West Grand Bahama and the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) manned and prepped for any eventuality associated with Tropical Storm-Force conditions from Hurricane Ian on Wednesday, Administrator Ricardo Ferguson said West Grand Bahama fared well.

Tropical storm warnings were in effect for Grand Bahama and Bimini as Hurricane Ian made its way from Cuba over to Florida, strengthening to a Category 4 storm. The Bahamas Meteorology Department forecast that residents in Grand Bahama could experience flooding, gusty winds, severe thunderstorm and potential tornadic activity.

Apart from gusty winds and light rains, Administrator Ferguson said there were no issues.  An assessment of the various townships conducted late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning revealed damage along the coastal road from rocks and seaweed that had washed ashore as a result of storm surge.

Administrator Ferguson noted that immediate steps were taken Thursday morning to have the roadway cleared of the debris for ease of passage.

One shelter in Holmes Rock and five others in Eight Mile Rock were activated on Wednesday morning.

Administrator Ferguson explained that, as a result of the small numbers, only one of the shelters, Bethel Deliverance Centre in Jones Town, was utilized by three families, with 15 people in total. Following the all-clear, the EOC was deactivated at 10:00 am Thursday.

The West Grand Bahama Administrator pointed out that all of the shelters are ready for the remainder of the Hurricane season, however, they are still working feverishly on preparing the Eight Mile Rock High School Gymnasium which will prove beneficial in the event a stronger storm comes along.

“The preparations are still ongoing. We haven’t shut down completely because the season is not over yet, but we’re still being vigilant,” he said.