Storm Reports

Ike Brushes Mayaguana

In the southeastern island of Mayaguana, authorities reported tropical storm conditions Sunday morning but no serious damage.

"It may get worse before it gets better," Police Inspector B. Rahming said by phone. "So far everybody is safe. No damage reported here."

Rahming said generators were being used to power shelters, after the electricity was cut for safety reasons.

Authorities say 68 people are in two shelters on this island of some 300 people.

Wind gusts of about 45 to 50 mph hit the island as intermittent rain fell.

TRENTON DANIEL, The Miami Herald

Bahamas Brace for Ike

As Hurricane Ike moved toward the Bahamas southeastern islands residents hunkered down in shelters.

On the island of Great Inagua -- the southernmost island with about 1,200 people -- two shelters were opened and filled with 138 people, according to Cmdr. Stephen Russell, the director of the National Emergency Management Agency based in Nassau.

Power was shut down on the island as a safety precaution and phone communications unreliable.

Wind gusts exceeded 60 mph.

On the nearby island of Acklins six shelters were opened, filled with 147 people. The island still has power, and wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph.

On Crooked Island, two shelters were opened with 20 people.

On the island of Mayaguana, two shelters were opened filled with 68 people. Power was shut down for safety reasons and winds were in excess of 70 mph.

As of 10 a.m. there had been reports of damage.

TRENTON DANIEL, Miami Herald