By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Residents in the northern Bahamas yesterday rushed to grocery stores to stock up on goods ahead of a potential impact from Hurricane Milton.

Bimini resident, Indera Russell, said the grocery stores were “hectic” as persons rushed to stock up on last-minute supplies. She said the gas stations were also packed as the gas tanker returned to the island yesterday.

“The food stores are hectic, people are moving around in the food stores,” said Ms Russell. “I just got in off the streets. People are getting gas. The gas tanker was off the island, so it just came in today, fresh from pumping new gas. So the gas line was pretty long today. I see that kind of preparation in the food stores.”

Ms Russell said Bimini is currently experiencing “a lot of flooding” and she expects to see more residents making preparations as the week progresses. “We are seeing some flooding right now in the low-lying areas that normally flood,” said Ms Russell.

“Persons are moving around regularly right now, but people are talking about the storm and I’m certainly sure that they are aware it’s going on. I expect to see more action, maybe by later this evening or in the morning.”

A Grand Bahama resident said the grocery stores on the island were also busy yesterday and shelves were emptied by consumers engaging in “panic buying”. Ms Bethel said when she visited stores yesterday other residents had their carts piled high as they braced for the potential impact of the storm.

“The food store was packed,” she added. “Everyone was just trying to make sure they had supplies. Half of the shelves were empty because people were just panic buying. They were buying things they didn’t even need; it was like a hoard.”

Super Value released a statement yesterday advising consumers not to panic buy goods and confirmed it has enough stock to supply the country for three to four months. “As we are still in the hurricane season, while you do your regular shopping for the next couple of months, we suggest that you stock up on your pantry staples,” said Super Value.

“Don’t leave it for last-minute shopping. Always prepare for hurricanes, Christmas and any future dock strikes. We can supply and restock 13 stores within 24-48 hours. We have enough inventory to supply the country for three or four months. Panic shopping is not necessary.”

The Ministry of Education also cancelled school in Abaco, Bimini, Grand Bahama and Grand Cay on Tuesday and Wednesday as a “precautionary measure”.

“The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, as a precautionary measure, announces the closure of schools in Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini and Grand Cay for face-to-face instruction on Tuesday October 8 and Wednesday 9, 2024, due to adverse weather conditions from Hurricane Milton,” said the Ministry of Education.

Acting Director of Meteorology, Jeffrey Simmons, said residents in Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini will experience rain and flooding due to Hurricane Milton passing across Central Florida. He said residents can expect some sea swells and rainfall but will not get a direct hit from the storm.

He added that schools were not cancelled due to the possible impact of Hurricane Milton but rain and flooding from another weather system ahead of Hurricane Milton. “Schools were not cancelled due to the possible impact of Hurricane Milton but because of the rain and flooding from another system that is not associated with Milton,” explained Mr Simmons.

“That system brought excessive rainfall on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, so there will be a lot of flooding and standing water.”