fp Turks and Caicos

At 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, the U.S. National Hurricane Center predicted that Tropical Storm Tomas will pass within a few hundred miles northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands sometime Friday afternoon, possibly as a Category 1 hurricane.

The government has announced that government schools will be closed Friday, and Air Turks and Caicos said it will suspend flights when the airport is closed at 8 a.m. Nov. 5.

"Residents in the southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands may expect storm surges, raising water levels by as much as 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels accompanied by large and destructive waves on coastlines," the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) said. "Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are possible over the islands." 

“Residents in the southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands should secure outdoor items and seek shelter from heavy down pours. Small craft operators within the warning areas should remain in port.”

The public are also advised that due to the impending bad weather the causeway between North and Middle Caicos will be closed from 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5. The storm surge and heavy rainfall may make the causeway dangerous to negotiate and there is a possibility that parts of the causeway will be damaged making it unsafe or impossible to negotiate. The public are asked to arrange their business around this closure.

The DDME plans to have designated hurricane shelters opened from 10 a.m. on Nov. 5. Persons intending to use the public shelters should ensure that they take with them adequate supplies of food and water.

The DDME is urging all persons, irrespective of their immigration status, living in areas prone to flooding or which may be affected by sea surges to move to safer locations, shelters, churches etc  before the arrival of the storm.  Residents are also urged to secure their homes against the strong winds and rain, and to stock up on non-perishable foods, water, and candles or flashlights. All residents are requested to follow all further advisories and information notices issued by the Department.

Evacuation and Shelters Information

A shelter is a facility set up to provide temporary housing for persons unable to continue living in their own family dwelling. In the event of an emergency incident such as a flood or hurricane, Shelter Managers will do their best to make you comfortable, but a shelter does not offer the same level of comfort and privacy as your private home. It is advisable that you first seek to stay with friends or relatives if at all possible.

When a hurricane threatens the Turks and Caicos Islands, you will have to make the decision whether you should evacuate or whether you can ride out the storm in the safety of your own home.

If the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies recommends evacuation, you should leave. Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength and size of the storm, the threat of flooding to your community and the potential for death and destruction.

Persons who disregard the order to evacuate cannot be guaranteed assistance at the last minute.

IN GENERAL:

• If you live near the coastline, PLAN TO LEAVE BEFORE THE STORM HITS.
• If you live in an area that continually floods, or is near a pond that is likely to overflow, or in other low-lying areas that may be swept by dangerous storm waves. PLAN TO LEAVE.
• If your home is well built, on high ground, and out of danger from high tides or rising ponds. CONSIDER STAYING.
• Before you leave your home for a nearby shelter, do the following:
• Eat before you arrive at the shelter, meals will not be available during the first 24 hours.
• Bring a 36 hour supply of non-perishable food and water with you, change of clothes, sanitary needs, battery-operated radio and flashlight.
• Bring baby supplies.
• Bring your identification, valuable papers and medications in their original containers.
• Bring blankets/sleeping bags, pillows. These items may be provided but limited in supply.
• Bring toys, cards, games, magazines, books and colouring books to pass the time.
• Smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages in shelters is not allowed.
• Shelters are for short stay ONLY.
• Please remember that pets are not allowed at shelters.

Public Shelter Listings

PROVIDENCIALES LOCATION
Enid Capron Primary School, Five Cays Five Cays, Providenciales
Oseta Jolly Primary School, Blue Hills Blue Hills, Providenciales
New Testament Church Off Millennium Highway, Providenciales
St. Monica’s Anglican Church Cheshire Hall, off Leeward Highway, Providenciales
Healing Waters Ministries Church Off Millennium Highway, Providenciales
Precious Treasures School Near Light Industrial Subdivision, Discovery Bay, Providenciales

MIDDLE CAICOS
Conch Bar Community Centre Central Town Area, Conch Bar
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Central Town Area, Conch Bar
Bambarra Community Centre Central Town Area, Bambarra

NORTH CAICOS
Sandy Point Community Centre Central Area, Sandy Point
Kew Community Centre Central Area, Kew
Adelaide Oemler Primary School Central Area, Bottle Creek
Lighthouse Church Richmond, Bottle Creek

SOUTH CAICOS
Community Centre Downtown (Central), South Caicos
Mt. Oliver Baptist Church Downtown (Central), South Caicos

GRAND TURK
Green Door Old Naval Base, Lighthouse Road,
Grand Turk
Community College Old Naval Base, Lighthouse Road,
Grand Turk

SALT CAY
Community Centre South District, Salt Cay
Methodist Church Hall North District, Salt Cay

For more information on your preparedness in the TCI, visit our Hurricane Watch page.