Statia prepares for potential Tropical Storm 9
Members of the Disaster Relief Team (ESF) of St. Eustatius met yesterday, Tuesday 28th and today Wednesday July 29th to finalize plans and actions in connection with the monitoring of the potential Tropical Storm number 9.
Deputy Government Commissioner, Ms. Alida Francis, convened the meeting in which the key players in the ESFs provided updates with regards to the necessary measures, plans and procedures that are place.
Heavy rain and high winds with risk of erosion, flash floods, mudslides and snapping trees is the main concern. During the meeting with the representatives of the ESF, several actions were agreed upon.
Water flows will be redirected at the Golden Rock area to avoid mudslides running into the ocean.
The trench near the FDR Airport has been cleaned out and there is a parking restriction on the Queen Beatrix Street and the Fort Oranje Street owing to steady flow of water and rocks during periods of heavy rainfall.
A contingency plan is in place to evacuate persons that are in quarantine in the event that the weather system develops into a Tropical Storm. Also, the most critical patients of the Community Home Care Center will be secured.
The ceremony regarding the groundbreaking for the official start of the construction of the Smoke Alley Road on Thursday has been postponed.
As the Public Entity St. Eustatius focuses on protecting residents during this present global health crisis due to COVID-19 while putting plans in place to safely reopen its borders, it is also ensuring that necessary preparations for the Atlantic Hurricane Season are in place.
Local authorities will continue to monitor the further progress of this weather system and will take all necessary measures to safeguard life and property.
Watches or warnings will be issued when it becomes necessary using various communication mediums; radio, newspaper, through the website www.statiagovernment.comm and through facebook.com/euxgov).
It is important that the public seek credible information from the official authority in order to make timely decisions that will protect life and property.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season for the North Atlantic Ocean & Caribbean Sea starts on the 1st of June and ends the 30th of November. In general, the highest storm activity is registered during the months of August, September, and October.