Holidaymakers in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being urged to leave, if they can, as Hurricane Matthew approaches.
The Turks and Caicos Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) and The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has issued a hurricane warning for the islands, with with winds of 74mph and above expected in the next few days.
“Tourism officials are urging visitors to leave the Turks and Caicos if they have the means to do so safely,” said the warning.
“Visitors unable to leave or opting to remain within the destination are urged to stay inside during the storm.”
Tourism officials stressed there is no need to panic as there is ample time for visitors to leave the Turks and Caicos Islands in a ‘calm and orderly manner’.
Immigration services will remain in place at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) to ensure flights are allowed to travel to and from the islands until a decision is taken to close the airports.
In the event of an emergency, visitors are asked to follow management’s protocol at their respective resort or call 911.
The statement said some hotels throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands are built to safely accommodate people during a hurricane.
“The main goal is to keep everyone safe,” it said.
“Visitors are reminded that the safest place to be during the storm is inside.”
Emergency officials are also preparing to respond to severe flooding as Hurricane Matthew is expected to produce two to five inches of rainfall with isolated maximum amounts of eight inches.
