National Address: Reference approaching weather system

Good afternoon citizens and visitors of Sint Maarten,

I come to you this afternoon to discuss the approaching weather system.  

As you all already know, we are in the hurricane season, and therefore every household and business need to be ready to take action when called upon to do so.

The Office of Disaster Management/Department of Communication have been sending out information from May up until the present about what type of preparations you should already have in place.  I hope everybody has taken note of the various publications that have been published.

Please note that a tropical storm watch was issued for Sint Maarten at 5:00 pm today, Sunday August 11.

There is an area of thunderstorm activity associated with an area of low pressure which is showing signs of development. This system is approximately 900 miles east of the Lesser Antilles.

According to the Meteorological Department Sint Maarten, there is a high chance that the low-pressure system could become a tropical depression or storm within the next 48 hours. There is high confidence that the weather system will pass through our islands, the Leeward Islands.

Due to the uncertainty at this point in time of impact, citizens and businesses are requested to take note of the following:

It is possible that the country could experience effects of the weather system as early as Monday night, August 12.  The effects would entail heavy rainfall of accumulated amounts of up to six (6) inches, thunderstorms associated with the weather system that could affect the local area through Wednesday, August 14.

Flooding and flash flooding are possible in low lying areas during the passing of the weather system. Sea conditions will gradually deteriorate with the passage of the system.

Gusty winds of up to storm force are possible from Monday night.

Therefore, I am also calling on all political parties to assume their responsibility by removing political billboards and other paraphernalia from public roads and other areas.  Commercial businesses are also requested to do the same. This measure is to ensure public safety.

Secondly, a decision has been made to keep schools closed until further notice.

This is a very fluid situation and as such the Government of Sint Maarten through the Meteorological Department Sint Maarten continues to monitor closely the progress of this weather system and will keep you informed.  

My fellow Sint Maarteners and visitors, thank you for your attention.

Additional updates will be provided via the Department of Communication of Government and also through the different

media outlets. Please stay tuned to them for official and additional information.  

May God Bless our nation and keep us safe.