The committee represents a cross-section of the Ministry of Tourism that includes senior management and other officers who will monitor the storm’s movements.

BMOT’s crisis management team is closely monitoring the progress of the storm and liaising with the National Emergency Management Agency, Bahamas Hotel Association, Nassau Development Company and other relevant authorities.

“The Ministry of Tourism and its industry partners met this afternoon to put in place plans to monitor and address any potential fall out from Hurricane Joaquin. All MOT offices in the affected areas are prepared and working with local authorities in their respective areas,” Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Tourism Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson said.

The overall objectives of the Ministry’s hurricane preparedness plan are to ensure the safety and security of visitors to The Bahamas, the protection of the country’s reputation and the securing of the Ministry’s physical assets.

During the storm, team members will conduct task force conference calls to keep key agencies apprised of preparations and developments.

Each Bahamas Tourist Office (BTO) throughout the islands is equipped with a satellite phone to keep in touch with the command center in New Providence.

BMOT will also monitor social media and news sites to ensure that accurate information is given about The Bahamas during the time of the storm.

As a result of the Hurricane Warning, at least three cruise lines have rerouted their ships to avoid Hurricane Joaquin. Carnival has altered its Eastern Caribbean itineraries for Pride and Valor, Princess replaced Royal Princess’ call at the line’s private island, and Norwegian has canceled Getaway’s Nassau call scheduled for later this week.

A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the Northwest Bahamas, including The Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and New Providence. A Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.

At 2:00 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Joaquin was located near latitude 24.4 degrees north and longitude 72.9 degrees west. This is about 90 miles east of San Salvador or about 190 miles east-southeast of Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera and about 255 miles east of New Providence.

Hurricane Joaquin is moving toward the southwest near 6 miles per hour. A turn toward the northwest and a decrease in forward speed is forecast on Thursday or Thursday night. On the forecast track, the center of Joaquin is expected to move near or over portions of the Central Bahamas tonight or Thursday.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the center.

Residents in the Warning areas, especially San Salvador and Cat Island, could begin to experience Tropical Storm force winds tonight and should rush to complete preparation for the impact of Joaquin, which is anticipated to include severe flooding. Residents in Watch areas should also continue preparation for the possible impact of Joaquin, including severe flooding due to heavy rainfall.

Small craft operators throughout the Bahamas should remain in port, as large swells and battering waves will affect The Bahamas during the next few days.

The Islands Of The Bahamas will be releasing updates on tracking of Hurricane Joaquin, but we encourage everyone to access the National Hurricane Center and The Weather Channel for latest updates. For more information on Hurricane Joaquin and The Islands Of The Bahamas, travel professionals and consumers are advised to access the following:

The latest Bahamas Met. Office report.

The Weather Channel at www.weather.com