GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is calling on the community to use the time now to re-check storm preparations and to be prepared for the remaining months of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season.
Richardson added that there was no time to become complacent. Every household and business operation have a personal responsibility to make sure they are storm ready by cleaning-up yards and surroundings of any debris that could blow away in the event of a storm/hurricane.
Remember, it only takes one to make it a bad season.
The Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science (DAS) last Thursday issued its latest update for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season and continues to forecast a below average season.
The forecast activity by DAS after July 31 is for nine named storms of which three could become hurricanes and one developing into a major hurricane.
The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) reminds residents and business owners with the potential for nine more storms to develop during the coming weeks and months, they should have plans in place for quick action.
An average Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
The Region will be entering the peak period of hurricane activity which runs from August 15 to October 15.
Three named storms have already developed for the season, namely Alberto (Tropical Storm, May 25-28), Beryl (Hurricane Category 1, July 5-9, 14-15) and Chris (Hurricane Category 2, July 8-12).
The remaining storm names for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season are: Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William.
The ODM is urging residents to check hurricane shutters and the roof of their home or business, and to make sure windows and shutters close securely.
Mariners who are seeking shelter in the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond should also make plans to stay with friends or at a hotel once they have secured their vessel in a timely manner rather than staying on-board the vessel to ride out the passing of a storm.
