Community advised to monitor the progress of a developing weather system east of the Lesser Antilles

The Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Fire Chief Clive Richardson is calling on the community to closely monitor the progress of a developing weather system that is located approximately 1000 miles east-southeast of Sint Maarten. According to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS), the low-pressure system could form into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next couple of days. The system is forecast to begin affecting portions of the Lesser Antilles on Wednesday or Wednesday night. MDS stated on Monday that due to the high likelihood of cyclone formation, a tropical storm watch could be issued for Sint Maarten. A tropical storm watch is issued when a tropical cyclone poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.  These winds may be accompanied by storm surge and coastal flooding. The remaining storm names for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season are: Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, René, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred. A small craft advisory, flash flood advisory and a severe wind advisory could go into effect for Sint Maarten from Wednesday morning. For those who would like to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike, you can visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your 'Hurricane Season Readiness Guide' and 'Hurricane Tracking Chart'. In addition, you can also download the 'Disasterprep Sint Maarten' app for Android and Apple phones by going to the Google and Apple stores. ODM reminds residents and business owners to have plans in place for quick action when the need arises - be storm ready! Listen to the Government Radio station - 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Are You Ready? Be prepared this hurricane season! Source: sintmaartengov.org