Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
called a hurricane if wind speed exceeds 75mph and intensifies around a low-pressure cen-
ter called the 'eye of the storm.'
The strength of a hurricane is rated from one to five. The strongest and rarest hurricanes,
the Category-5 monsters, pack winds that exceed 155mph. Hurricanes travel at varying
speeds, from as little as 6mph to more than 31mph.
If you are caught by an approaching hurricane, follow local warnings. Hotels are typic-
ally of concrete and steel construction capable of withstanding strong winds. If you have
an oceanfront room, relocate inland.
In August, 1999, Hurricane Dennis raked the Abacos and Grand Bahama. A month
later, Hurricane Floyd, a 600-mile-wide whopper, pounded Cat, San Salvador, Abaco and
Eleuthera with winds up to 155mph. In late 2004 two more hurricanes, Frances and Jeanne,
hit these same islands along with Grand Bahama in quick succession. Massive flooding and
the destruction of many buildings again hit villages and the tourism industry. Luckily, few
lives were lost.
For warnings, check the USA National Hurricane Center's
Tropical Prediction Center
(
www.nhc.noaa.gov
)
.
