Page2 SectionA The Abaconian September 15, 2008 Abaco prepared for tropical storm Boat rental companies and marinas prepared early for Tropical Storm Hanna Hanna From Page 1 na came, it had winds of only 65 mph and skirted the length of Abaco 40 to 50 miles offshore to the east which kept the worst winds away from the island. Hanna was a very large storm and Abaco experienced winds for several days prior to and one day after its passing. The worst winds and heavy rains were during the early morning hours of September 1 as it passed by. Although it was a nuisance, the residents are thankful that Hanna was not worse and most people fared well. Preparations were also made knowing that a much more powerful storm was ap- proaching. Hurricane Ike was following the same path as Hanna but was much more threatening. For a while the winds were 145 mph which would have been dev- astating, even with preparation. Although Ike passed through the Southern Bahamas, Abaco was, thankfully, spared its disas- trous winds. Winds blew for several day prior to and after the passing of Tropical Storm Hanna. Although the storm was not more than a nuisance, the residents know that it could have built up intensity and been a major disaster. Hanna left many Abaco communities flooded By Samantha V. Evans After much speculation as to the dangers that Tropical Storm Hanna would bring, many residents of Dundas Town and Mur- phy Towns found the flood waters almost to their doorsteps as this storm dropped nearly three inches of rain in their com- munities. As I drove along the streets of Dundas Town and Murphy Towns on the morning of September 5th many persons had water right up to their doors to the point that they had to drive their vehicles up to the house in order to avoid getting wet as they went in or out. Some phone lines were also knocked out due to the excessive rain, lightening, and thunder. Batelco officials could not say when the phone service would be entirely restored. However, the technicians spent most of Friday assessing the damages but at that time they were concerned about the possibility of Hurricane Ike affecting Aba- co. They did not think that service would be restored until after this danger- ous hurricane passed The Bahamas. Finally, there were some fallen limbs in the street but not much de- bris which made clean-up quite easy. In Marsh Harbour, however, there was not much flooding and many businesses were able to open for business the next day including banks, gov- ernment offices, grocery stores, convenient stores and beauty salons. By Jennifer Hudson I write this as Hurricane Hanna makes its way slowly towards Abaco. The sound of circular saws and hammering fills the air as people board up their homes ready for the storm. For many people, though, much of their lives is spent on the water and so there are also boats to consider. Many people earn their living from the boating industry and so they have to secure their business and their livelihood. Boatyards and marinas are a hive of activity as every- one goes into full gear to secure millions of dollars worth of boats and equipment against the onslaught of wind and water. “The Moorings/Sunsail which owns a fleet of 41 luxury yachts anchored at the Conch Inn Marina always begins prepar- ing in ample time as they have such a large task ahead and want to have everything se- cured early in order for their staff to have enough personal time to prepare their own homes,” stated Samantha Cornish, Opera- tions Manager. As soon as Hanna was a named tropical threat, staff began taking down sails and removing anything that could fly such as barbeque grills and cush- ions. They then began taking their yachts to a ‘hurricane hole’ at Leisure Lee. “Most of the yachts can get in there. But if all cannot fit, then the remainder have to be anchored out in the harbour or secured Please see Hanna Page 4 Central Abaco Primary School in Dundas Town is prone to the yard flooding after every major rain. The initial design of the school did not take into account drainage and now the students have to live with frequent flooding. Abaco ab Eos BAHAMAS ADDRESS P.O.BOX AB 20737 Marsh Harbour Abaco, Bahamas aly Tel: 242-367-2091 / 367-3341 Fax: 242-367-2235 / /367-4885 unitedabacoshipping@coralwave.com NEW U.S. DELIVERY & RECEIVING ADDRESS See A Bahamian owned company Sine ¢ Expanded service — now imeludes a arene depot in Opalocka, Fl., receiving freight for onward delivery to West Palm Beach. See warehouse address on the side, for further particulars contact the local office. 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