Automated weather observing systems for three airports donated to the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorrian

In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas and caused catastrophic damage. To help the country recover from this severe disaster, Vaisala has donated three new automated weather observing systems for airports.  

In 2016, Vaisala signed a contract with the Ministry for Transport and Aviation at the Bahamas, aiming to improve the country’s weather observation and forecasting capabilities. With the newly implemented meteorological solutions by Vaisala, the Bahamas had improved possibilities to monitor and mitigate the impacts of the recent Hurricane Dorian. More accurate information and alerts could be sent out, enabling thousands of citizens and organizations to prepare for and seek shelter from the threat of Dorian.

Hurricane Dorian caused catastrophic material damage at the Bahamas, and the three Vaisala airport weather observing systems on the Northern islands of the Bahamas were destroyed. To help the Bahamas recover from this natural disaster, Vaisala has donated three new automatic weather observing systems, including installation, to replace the destroyed ones.

Automatic weather observing systems enable airports to operate more efficiently, improve aviation safety, and meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The systems help the Bahamas to make data-based decisions on how to manage challenging weather such as heavy rain, wind shear, thunderstorms, and lightning at airports. Furthermore, they assist the Bahamas in ensuring the continuity of international flights to this tourism dependent area.

“Concrete actions are needed to support the Bahamas in the recovery from the devastating impacts of Dorian. Through our donation of Vaisala technology and expertise, we want to support the Bahamas in getting the destroyed airports back into use and operating both efficiently and safely,” says Kjell Forsén, President and CEO, Vaisala.