BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DOWNTOWN Basseterre was not reminiscent of any typical Tuesday as all businesses, excluding the Chinese establishments, were closed as citizens and residents were seen making their final preparations.
With Irma closing in on St. Kitts and Nevis and other countries in the Leeward Islands, businesses owners shut shop, boarded up and staff members were sent home.
During a walk through the city this midday, SKNVibes had observed all commercial banks were closed and shutters drawn.
Up at the RLB International Airport, which is normally abuzz with activities, the scene was similar to that of a ghost town, as staffers from the various check-in counters were out awaiting transportation to their homes.
Customs and police officers were seen removing items from the facility for safekeeping.
Contacted for a comment, Airport Manager Ellsworth Warner confirmed that the airport would have been shut down at 12:00 p.m., as there were no incoming or outgoing flight to or from the island due to the storm.
He was not sure when the facility would be reopened, only to say that when the storm passes they would have to make an assessment of any damage before a determination could be made.
Back in Basseterre, Government Headquarters was well-boarded to protect the windows from damage and rains from entering the building.
Other smaller outlets and gas stations were also boarded in anticipation of the storm which is expected to pass early tonight into tomorrow.
The downtown offices of telecommunication giants FLOW and Digicel were also well-secured with drawn shutters.
Subway was well-boarded and so was KFC.
This morning Irma was upgraded to a Category 5 Hurricane with wind speed of 180 miles per hour.
Around the country residents were seen boarding-up their windows and making final preparations.
In some areas residents reportedly worked throughout the night to secure their property from major damage by the impending storm.
The Federation remains under Hurricane Watch as unfavourable weather conditions from the storm is expected to impact St. Kitts and Nevis this evening.
