Fire Dept./ODM: Potential impacts from Tropical Storm Karen expected Tuesday morning

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – According to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS), Tropical Storm Karen at its closest point, the center of Karen is forecast to pass about 175 miles west-southwest of the country on Tuesday morning.

MDS said in its 11.30AM Special Weather Bulletin, the potential impact for the country are:

Rainfall: Karen is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, possibly up to 4

inches in some areas. Increasing cloudiness with showers and thunderstorms are expected within the next

24 hours.

Most of the significant showers are expected from Monday night into Tuesday. Flooding and/or rockslides are expected in flood-prone areas and along hillsides. Residents and users of these areas are advised to be vigilant.

Winds: Gusty winds could accompany showers Monday night through Tuesday.

Seas: Swells up to 9 feet are possible, mainly along the southern coast, during the passage of Tropical

Storm Karen. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Beach erosion is possible in vulnerable areas. Sea-bathers are advised to stay away from the sea.

Fire Chief/National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson is calling on the populace to continue to closely monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Karen, and to take note of the aforementioned advice from MDS.

The country is not under any watch or warning; however, Sint Maarten could receive weather from the storm as it moves towards and over the area of the U.S./British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

ODM and MDS will continue to monitor closely the progress of the storm and will keep the public updated accordingly via intermittent bulletins.

The community and new residents are urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”

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