Hurricane Irene, which has developed into a Category 3 storm, with winds reaching up to 120 miles per hour (195 km/h), has made landfall in the southern and central parts of the tropical island chain, bringing structural damage and flooding to Rum Cay, Cat Island, San Salvador and parts of New Providence.

Cruise line operators have cancelled scheduled stops in the region and flights to the Family Islands have been temporarily halted. Revenue losses for the crucial tourism industry are already estimated to be $2-3 million in taxes alone.

A summary of conditions by the National Hurricane Centre put wind speeds at 115 mph (185km/h) as the eye of the storm passed the capital Nassau and proceeded on towards Abaco and Grand Bahama islands. A hurricane watch is in effect for north of Surf City, North Carolina, to the north Carolina-Virginia border including the Pamlico, Albemarle and Currituck Sounds, as the hurricane heads towards the US eastern seaboard.

The path of hurricane Irene can be tracked at the National Hurricane Centre.

scotterill@dupuch.com