NEMA, 30th August, 2017 -- The National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) Carl Herbert has announced that a system of disturbed weather that was recently upgraded to Tropical Storm Irma, continues to be jointly monitored by NEMA and the St. Kitts Meteorological Services.
According to Senior Met Officer, Elmo Burke, “Tropical Storm Irma, which began as a tropical wave and associated area of low pressure just off the coast of Africa, is heading towards the Leewards as of today, Wednesday, 30th August. The National Hurricane Center (the official source of advisories, warnings, forecasts, and strike probabilities for all tropical depressions and named storms) initially suggested that it had a 90% chance of developing into a Tropical Cyclone through the next 5 days. Irma is the ninth named storm of the season. Historically, the ninth storm of the season has, on average, formed on September 30, signalling the speedy formation and development of the system and putting it one month ahead of schedule. Presently, it is moving across the Atlantic Ocean in a westerly direction at 15 - 20mph.”
NDC Herbert has stated that although there is no certainty as to the strength or potential impact of the developing storm, it is better to err on the side of caution. Accordingly, he is urging residents to do whatever is necessary to protect their own lives and those of their loved ones.
“We implore you to take the advice of The Met Office, NEMA, District Volunteers and other Disaster Management Personnel, by staying connected to local media and by ensuring you have some form of a disaster plan for your home.”
Mr. Herbert says that The Met Office will continue to provide updates on the progress of the Tropical Storm Irma daily as it moves across the Atlantic Ocean. In the meantime, he repeats what has become his annual Hurricane Season mantra:
“We want to remind residents to stay away from known waterways and ghauts, for some reason we have to repeat this every year, especially during the Season; and we ask that persons inspect their property for any loose items or heavy materials that may be picked up during heavy winds and become deadly missiles.”
Contractors and Construction workers areasked to be particularly vigilant when closing down job sites and open areas where work may be ongoing. Automobile repair businesses are also urged to ensure that a plan is in place to properly secure any loose items that can become a threat to life and property in high winds.
“It is easy to panic and to leave an area that is populated with heavy equipment and other potential missiles, when a hazard threatens,” Mr. Herbert said, “But every effort should be made by Contractors to secure sites where danger may lurk upon impact of a tropical cyclone. We get advance warning when a storm is approaching and we always encourage individuals and businesses to create a Disaster Plan, so there is no excuse for unpreparedness.”
Met Officer Burke wants to remind everyone that the Hurricane Season spans through to the end of November.
“Also,” he says, “…the season calls for an above average level of activity and we are now in the peak of that season. There is no time like the present to complete your hurricane preparedness activities now and to continue listening for updates from the local Met Services and Disaster offices through the various media houses.”
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