By TAMARA DELANEY

Freeport News Reporter

tdelaney@nasguard.com

Weather experts are urging residents to be prepared as a hurricane watch is now in effect for Grand Bahama, Bimini, Andros and the Berry Islands.

A tropical storm warning is also in effect for Ragged Island, Great Exuma and the Central Bahamas.

"The advisory had been put in place after tropical storm Ernesto made landfall on the southeastern coast of Cuba," said Chief Meteorologist, Donna Duncombe.

"At 11 a.m. the centre of tropical storm Ernesto was about 35 miles west-northwest of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. That makes it about 475 miles southeast of Freeport, Grand Bahama and is moving toward the northwest near 10 miles per hour."

With the storm expected to continue moving north for the next 24 hours, Duncombe said that the maximum winds have decreased to near 40 miles per hour with higher gusts, with further weakening to occur as it continues over land.

However, the meteorologist warned that Ernesto is expected to re-strengthen when its centre moves over the waters off Cuba.

Therefore, she forecasts that the storm may have some impact on Grand Bahama and warns residents to be fully readied if such predictions are fulfilled.

(From Page 1)

"On its current forecast track, tropical storm Ernesto is expected to move within 100 miles west of Freeport, impacting the western portion of Grand Bahama Island," she said.

"While some uncertainty still exists regarding the full impact of the storm, residents are advised to ensure that their preparations are complete."

"A hurricane watch means that it is possible for hurricane conditions to occur within the next two days," said Duncombe.

"The public is instructed to move boats to safe harbour, secure outdoor furniture and check food and water supplies."

Residents are also advised to replenish vehicles for fuel provisions and check shutters, ensuring that they are durable.

Companies like Discovery cruise line are also adhering to the hurricane advisory, informing the public of such actions.

"Please be advised that when Discovery Sun arrives in Freeport today from Ft. Lauderdale at 8 a.m., the vessel will sail with no passengers and will remain in Freeport until further notice due to Ernesto," said Senior Vice President and General Manager Warren Martinborough.

Martinborough said that the cruise line will return to regular schedule on Friday, September 1 to Ft. Lauderdale.

Now that a hurricane watch has been issued for the northern islands, Grand Bahamians are taking heed of the formidable forecast while keeping a watchful eye on tropical storm Ernesto.

Gas stations and grocery stores received hordes of customers yesterday as a result of the advisory for the storm, which has some persons taking extra precautionary measures.

"After Wilma, tropical storm Ernesto has many people like myself on a level of serious preparedness," said one male resident.

"That is why I am taking to the grocery stores and the hardware stores buying a lot of shutters, batteries, canned goods and water.

The resident said that many of his fellow neighbours are strengthening on their precautions, not allowing themselves to wait at the last minute.

"Wilma taught me all of the things I need to do better in the event of another storm and Ernesto is not going to allow me to make mistakes I may have in the past."

BE PREPARED – Grand Bahamians are taking heed of the advisory, getting fuel, purchasing hurricane shutters and stocking up on supplies like food and water. Photo shows a resident stocking up on a supply of water yesterday. (Staff photo by HOWARD GRANT)