Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Clive Richardson, says forecasters this week from the Colorado State University (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science forecast for the next two weeks 60 per cent below-normal storm formation activity.
Richardson added that while the Atlantic season for the Caribbean area has been rather quiet, this has not been the case for the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which has been considerably more active and intense than normal, producing numerous powerful hurricanes, including three that reached Category 5 intensity when the broader Eastern and Central Pacific are considered.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s October 15 seasonal summary, the Eastern Pacific has already recorded 19 named storms, nine hurricanes and six major hurricanes within its reporting area.
At the moment the Atlantic area has seen nine named storms, namely, Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, and Isaias, the latter which became the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season and also the first major storm – Category 3.
Remember, it only takes one tropical storm or hurricane passing near or directly over the island to cause significant damage, disrupt essential services, and threaten lives.
The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) therefore reminds residents and the business community that preparedness should never be based solely on seasonal forecasts. Every hurricane season should be approached with the same level of readiness, regardless of whether it is forecast to be above normal, near normal, or below normal.
The remaining 2026 storm names are: Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.
The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business 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.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.
Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM – for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.
For official weather-related information, rely on forecasts that can be found at the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/
Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Remain vigilant and prepared!
The hurricane season runs through November 30.
