BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis is among several countries in the Caribbean which have – this evening (Oct. 12) – been placed under Tropical Storm Warning.
The National Disaster Coordinator Carl Herbert told this publication that according to information he has received, newly-developed Tropical Storm Rafael is approximately 140 miles to the south of the Federation and is moving in a north-north-westerly direction at 12 miles per hour.
He said it has maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and the Federation can expect to experience the effects of the storm this evening into tomorrow.
“We are appealing to the general public to be aware that there is lots of rainfall associated with this and thunderstorms and gusty winds. As a result of the heavy rainfall, we expect that our ghauts and watercourses are likely to flow heavily at times. I understand that overnight into tomorrow, we should be experiencing the effects of the system as it passes,” Herbert admonished.
He further advised that persons should avoid crossing these ghauts and watercourses and he issued a word of warning for parents.
“We are urging parents and guardians to ensure that their children do not attempt to cross these waterways…”
He said it is not expected that hurricane-like conditions would be experienced during the passage of Tropical Storm Rafael still, the precautionary measures should be taken to maximise safety during its passage.
Measures which Herbert suggested should be taken include:
- Storing water which can be used in the event that tap water becomes silted
- Locating and ensuring that flashlights and transistor radios are charged, with extra batteries on hand
- Monitoring specific mediums for any further information from the NEMA or the St. Kitts Meteorological Office
The other countries under Tropical Storm Warning are Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, the US Virgin Islands, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, St. Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique.
