Grand bahamas hit by 2 TORNADOES

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- 1:20pm – Grand Bahama was left damaged and residents in shock after two suspected tornadoes touched ground along the southern portion of the island around noon today.

One tornado struck the Freeport Container Port, setting off a domino-effect of toppled cranes. There have been reports of injuries and possible deaths on site.

There have also been reports of damage at the Island Seas Resort in Williams Town and roof damage at houses along the canal in Fortune Bay and in Port Lucaya. In the popular tourist centre of Port Lucaya, massive madeira trees were split in half and fell across the street and a bus stop was flipped upside down.

The suspected tornado activity occurred just minutes before the Department of Meteorology issued a severe weather alert for Grand Bahama advising of strong thunderstorm activity, heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, funnel clouds including tornadoes and waterspouts as well as possible hail and heavy flooding.

Residents who were outside at the time say it was like being in the middle of a hurricane.

As word got out about the extent of possible injuries at the Freeport Container Port, crowds gathered outside the Rand Memorial Hospital. Public schools on the island were closed and parents asked to pick their children up early, even though a weather notice was issued advising residents to remain inside until 2pm.

3.25pm – The Met office is reporting severe lightening in Abaco.

3:20pm – The Met office has its extended its severe thunderstorm warning to include Nassau and parts of Andros. While the impact is not expected to be as severe as in Grand Bahama, flooding, intense lightening, hail and funnel clouds are a possibility. The weather system is expected to hit the capital between 5pm and 7pm today.