(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – The all clear was given to the entire Bahamas by NEMA in the 9am update from the Department of Meteorology, as hurricane Joaquin made its way north east away from the Bahamas. Rather than weaken further as was forecasted, the Category 3 storm re-strengthened earlier on Saturday and at 11:00am had a menacing appearance on satellite (top left) with a well defined eye and very impressive cloud pattern. The intensity was at that point 155mph but by late afternoon it had lost some character though it still boasted destructive winds of 145mph (8pm NHC/NOAA update). The severe hurricane which has badly battered the South and Central Bahamas, is now headed in the direction of Bermuda. Despite the observed intensification this morning, the NHC forecast still calls for gradual weakening due to increasing shear and cooler waters. Joaquin is forecast to become a strong extratropical cyclone by the end of the forecast period (5 days).
Meanwhile, in Eleuthera, winds were rather brisk on Saturday morning as they shifted from the North East to a more WNW direction. The seas rolled into shore on the Western coasts of the island most of the day, washing over into roads at high tide. The effects were dramatic in Governor’s Harbour where water poured over the sea wall into the park flooding around the Administration building, with water also settling around the fortified police station. At the Glass Window bridge it was rough on both sides though the bright blue of the Bight of Eleuthera still shone and water was spouting out the blow hole at the entrance to the bridge from South. Skies were cloudy early on but they cleared, even as the sea continued to pound the shores into the night.
Spanish Wells Fishermen’s Fest Committee
