A broad area of low pressure over the central tropical Atlantic was producing a large area of disorganized cloudiness and showers on Sunday evening. Although environmental conditions ahead of the system did not appear conducive for significant development, a tropical depression, at the very least, is likely to form later this week while the disturbance moves slowly toward the west and then west-northwest at 5-10 miles per hour, toward the waters east and northeast of the Northeast Caribbean. The cyclone formation chance was medium through 48 hours (50%) and high over five days (70%). Meanwhile, a small low-pressure system located about 600 miles east of Bermuda continued to produce limited shower activity. Strong upper-level winds and dry air are expected to limit significant development of this system while it drifts southward over the central Atlantic during the next couple of days, and the low is likely to dissipate by midweek. The cyclone formation chance was low (10%) through both 48 hours and five days. In addition, a trough of low pressure could develop over the northwest Caribbean Sea during the middle part of this week. Environmental conditions could support some slow development of the system thereafter while it moves generally west-northwest over the northwest Caribbean Sea and toward the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The cyclone formation chance was low through 48 hours (near 0%) and five days (20%). And finally, a tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa Monday night. Some gradual development of the system is possible after that time while it moves generally westward across the far eastern tropical Atlantic. The cyclone formation chance was low through 48 hours (near 0%) and five days (20%).
PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs, in her capacity as chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), on Sunday appealed to the community to not become complacent this hurricane season and to remain vigilant and prepared.
Three storm systems have formed so far: Alex, Bonnie, and Colin. A late start of storm activity in a season can still lead to major hurricanes forming and impacting countries.
“We are monitoring that there are a several systems forming in the Atlantic. We will continue to keep the general public updated. All are encouraged to ensure that the preparations are in place, seeing that we are now at the peak of the hurricane season.” said Jacobs in a press release issued on Sunday evening.
The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten has reported that a broad and elongated area of low pressure with an ill-defined centre is showing potential for development over the central tropical Atlantic. Although environmental conditions ahead of the system do not appear conducive for significant development, a tropical depression, at the very least, is likely to form this week while it moves slowly toward the Lesser Antilles.
Jacobs pointed out that things have been rather quiet weather-wise, but the peak of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching and normally September is a busy month for storm/hurricane activity. Residents and the business community are advised to pay keen attention to weather reports in the coming days and weeks, to take the appropriate action when the EOC calls on them to do so.
In the meantime, residents and business owners are requested to review their hurricane season preparations. Even though the season has been quiet so far, things are expected to pick up in the coming weeks.
Fire Chief and Disaster Management Coordinator Clive Richardson also encourages every household to have their disaster supply kit supplied to support the members of the household for a minimum of seven days after the hurricane has passed.
The disaster supply kit should contain non-perishable food, water and medicine (fill prescriptions before the storm); non-electric can opener; first-aid kit; extra cash (ATM machines and credit cards will not work if there is no electricity); a battery-powered radio and flashlights as well as extra batteries.
Make sure cell phones are all charged prior to the arrival of the hurricane; fill up your car/truck with gas; check if your home and automobile insurance are up to date; put ID cards, passports, driver’s licences and insurance papers in a waterproof bag along with other important documents.
“If you are a parent with an infant or young child(ren), you also need to have essential items as part of your disaster supply kit: baby formula; diapers; bottles; powdered milk; medications; moist towels; and diaper rash ointment. Your disaster kit must also include hand sanitiser, a soap bar or liquid soap; two cloth face coverings for each person; disinfecting wipes or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces.
“Continue to ensure that tree branches around your home are trimmed; cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property; clean up your yard and put away items that could blow away during the passing of a hurricane; re-check your roof and storm shutters to make sure they are secure and the latter are working.
“For those whose homes are not yet storm/hurricane ready, you should make alternative housing arrangements to stay at family or friends. Ensure that you have a pet safety plan in place. Do not wait until the last moment to make preparations for the passing of a storm/hurricane. Do not be caught off guard. Be prepared. The government has taken the necessary preparations and is ready.”
The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website
www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”
Listen to the government radio station SXMGOV 107.9FM for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. For official weather-related information, visit the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS)
www.meteosxm.com or visit its social media page
Facebook.com/sxmweather/.
“Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Remain vigilant and prepared! The hurricane season runs through November 30.”
