US issues travel warning for the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

WASHINGTON, CMC – The United States has issued a travel warning for the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands as the first hurricane of the Atlantic season is expected to strengthen.



Hurricane Irene, a category three storm, with winds of 185km/h (115mph), has been hammering the Bahamas as it moves towards the United States on a projected track to hug the east coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami said.



“This Travel Warning is being issued to urge US citizens to carefully consider the potential risk of travel to The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands at this time due to the threat posed by Hurricane Irene,” said the State Department in a statement.



“The Department of State has authorized the departure, on a voluntary basis, of family members of US Embassy personnel.



“US citizens in areas likely to be impacted by Hurricane Irene who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing until the storm has passed while commercial transportation is available and ports are open,” it added.



“US citizens staying in The Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos, despite this Travel Warning, should locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Visitors to The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos should be familiar with their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans, policies, or procedures,” the State Department continued.



It urged US citizens to also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme (STEP) to receive the most up-to-date security information.



Irene, which is set to pass over the Bahamas archipelago on Thursday, has caused damage, but so far no casualties have been reported.



The NHC said Irene is expected to strengthen to a category four hurricane as it heads towards the US.