Hurricane Tammy puts Caribbean nations on notice

Hurricane Tammy has forced the Caribbean to hunker down and prepare for some extreme weather over the next few days, with the weather system likely to affect multiple nations along its path.

As of now Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, as well as St Kitts and Nevis amongst others, have issued warnings to citizens and are watching the trajectory of Hurricane Tammy closely.

(St Kitts and Nevis’s response to Hurricane Tammy)

Dr Terrance Drew, the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, has asked citizens in low-lying areas to move to safer locations as a flood warning has been placed due to Hurricane Tammy.

According to him, citizens should have their Hurricane preparedness plan on standby in case the situation deteriorates.

Hurricane Tammy was located about 335 miles southeast of St Kitts and Nevis as of 2 pm and the subsequent rainfall would likely measure up to six inches making flash floods highly likely. Hence, the warning to move to higher ground.

Mariners have been asked to seek safe anchorage and remain in port while beachgoers have been asked to refrain from the sea side as dangerous surf and rip currents are expected.

The Meteorological Department, National Emergency Management Agency and the Nevis Disaster Management Department are coordinating to follow the national disaster management protocol with support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

The fact that so many authorities on the matter are coming together to initiate and follow an emergency plan underlines the gravity of the situation.

Regional and international response mechanisms have been activated. Dr Drew has stated categorically that every possible step to mitigate the effects of the Hurricane and minimize the loss of life and property is being taken.

From 8 pm onwards, emergency shelters will be active and open for use as well.

(Dominica prepares for Hurricane Tammy)

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit gave an emergency briefing to address the concerns surrounding Hurricane Tammy’s approach. He clarified that Dominica was under a Hurricane watch and in a state of alert.

Public Officers were allowed to go home at 1 pm, in order to prepare for the Hurricane while private entities were asked to let their employees leave by 4 pm, so as to allow the preparations to progress on time.

Shelters have bee open since 7 pm on Thursday and people in vulnerable areas have been asked to move voluntarily.

Citizens have also been asked to remain careful and not pay heed to unsubstantiated claims of the Hurricane moving away or lowering in intensity.

“We have to pray the storm does not affect us but we also have to prepare. Let us help each other manage our anxieties and fears by engaging in planning.” 

As of 11 am, Hurricane Tammy was 203 miles southeast of Dominica and is expected to cause rains upto 55 to 100 millimeters or 2 to 4 inches.

Landslides and floods are also expected due to the weather conditions while sea conditions also continue to go for a toss with waves upto 4 metres or 12 feet in height.

According to estimates, Tammy is expected to pass 35-55 miles northeast of Dominica. With marine conditions worsening as well, people have been asked to anchor their vessels in safe areas and remain cautious.

(Antigua worried about impending floods due to Hurricane Tammy)

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne briefed the nation on the passage of Hurricane Tammy, all the while warning citizens about the dangers the weather system presents.

A Hurricane warning was placed on the nation at 11 am and citizens have been asked to take collective responsibility for their safety and well-being.

Citizens have been urged to take the appropriate steps to protect themselves, their families and their property.

The Hurricane is expected to bring 8-10 inches of rainfall, just as the PM reminded people of how Tropical Storm Philippe had a similar effect on the nation a short while ago.

There is also an increased likelihood of flooding, especially in low lying areas, which is why citizens in such places have been asked to move immediately to ensure their safety.

The PM has also asked citizens to move to shelters in their respective constituencies ahead of time, instead of making a last-ditch effort when the Hurricane is bearing down upon them.

He also spoke of the impact on the agricultural and fishing sector, highlighting the need for farmers to protect their livestock to the best of their abilities. Citizens have been asked to make preparations prior to the Hurricane hitting.

In anticipation of the Hurricane, the V.C Bird International airport has been closed to all commercial traffic, 5:30 pm onwards. It is expected to open again on October 22^nd at 3 pm depending on the conditions.

(Hurricane watches placed in the region)

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for…

Guadeloupe

Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…

Dominica

Saba and St Eustatius

St Maarten

St Martin and St Barthelemy

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…

Barbados

Martinique

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for…

Dominica