Hurricane Maria has been forecast to hit the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas Islands this evening (September 22) threatening more damage to the Caribbean just a few weeks after the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
The category three hurricane has been pummelling through the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico with the Turks and Caicos Islands predicted to be next, and due for similar downpours and a massive storm surge.
The Foreign Office (FCO) has warned tourists who are planning to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands that coastal flooding is “highly likely” and there is a “high risk of further severe damage”.
The FCO said: “If you are in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should identify shelter immediately and be ready to take cover when the hurricane approaches.”
A hotline for British people affected or concerned about others on the island has been set up on +44 (0)20 7008 0000.
British Airways is currently keeping its next scheduled services to and from Providenciales on the Turks and Caicos Islands and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic under review and are "awaiting more information from the authorities".
The FCO added: “If you are considering travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should plan very carefully and ensure that you have your own contingency measures in place.
“Please be aware that our ability to provide assistance to you will be extremely limited. If you are in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should keep your departure options under regular review.”
Elsewhere, the FCO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Anguilla and Montserrat and hurricane warnings for St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines have also been lifted.