Jodie Burrows, Asst. Director

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has given the official all clear for Bimini, Grand Bahama and Abaco on the passage of Hurricane Milton, and all of the shelters in the Northern Bahamas have been deactivated.

Several shelters were opened on Wednesday, October 9, ahead of the Category 4 storm’s passage over Florida, as meteorologists had issued a tropical storm warning for the Northern Bahamas.

Assistant Director of Social Services Jodie Burrows revealed that 22 residents from throughout Grand Bahama sought refuge at the shelters.

Four shelterees presented at the Foster B. Pestaina Centre, which is designated to accommodate residents with special needs; one resident was housed at Maurice Moore Primary School; 11 at the St. George’s Gymnasium and six at the Eight Mile Rock High School Gymnasium.

The two shelters in Alice Town, Bimini — the Louise McDonald High School and the Urban Renewal Center — remained open until the all-clear was given, however, residents on that northern island chose to weather the system at home.

In Abaco, 11 shelterees reported to the Central Abaco Primary School in Dundas Town.