September 14, 2003
US allows diplomats to leave Bahamas as raging hurricane approaches
WASHINGTON (AFP) Sep 13, 2003
The United States on Friday authorized its non-essential diplomats to leave the Bahamas and warned US citizens against visiting the islands due to damage that could be caused by Hurricane Isabel that is now raging through the Caribbean.
In addition, the State Department advised US citizens already in the Bahamas to consider leaving as the full-strength hurricane headed westward toward the central Antilles with maximum force winds blowing at 260 kilometers an hour (162 miles an hour).
"The US State Department has given permission for nonemergency US personnel and family members of US personnel in the Bahamas to depart the Bahamas voluntarily," it said in a statement.
US citizens should "avoid travel to the Bahamas at this time due to the threat posed by Hurricane Isabel," it said. "US citizens in the Bahamas should consider departing until the storm has passed."
"If staying in the Bahamas, locate shelter, monitor media reports and follow all official instructions," the department said. "Visitors to the Bahamas should return to their hotels or cruise ships for further information and instructions."
Moving at 15 kilometers an hour (9 miles an hour), Isabel -- the first Atlantic storm to reach maximum intensity since Hurricane Mitch in 1998 -- is expected to hit seas north of Puerto Rico over the weekend, before heading north toward the Bahamas in the coming week.
However, the National Hurricane Center has said the storm's path is not entirely predictable.
Posted by admin at September 14, 2003 02:48 AM