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This Friday, Erin reached the intensity level of a category 1 hurricane. It is located around 700 kilometers east of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin. Météo France expects it to pass very close to the Iles du Nord (between 220 and 250 kilometers to the northeast) tomorrow, Saturday August 16, at midday. As a result, Météo France has placed the Iles du Nord under yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms, wave-submersions and strong winds.
Météo France's bulletin states: "Heavy rain and thunderstorms will cross the islands from Saturday morning onwards, which could lead to heavy rainfall and temporary flooding. Winds are also strengthening on Saturday morning from the southwest. Winds are expected to average between 50 and 55 km/h, with gusts up to 80/85 km/h under the squalls. In addition, an east to northeast swell will impact the coasts from tonight. It will turn south-westerly during the day on Saturday. After the north and east coasts of the islands, it is mainly the Gustavia roadstead that will be affected by these penalizing conditions.
The prefecture also indicates that the first thunder showers are expected on Friday evening, and could bring "significant accumulations in a short space of time", of the order of 50 to 80 mm. The prefecture also indicates that thunderstorm activity will be "significant" and adds: "A swell on our coasts with 2m50 waves is expected from Saturday afternoon."
The meteorological event is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Saturday, at 2am. It is due to end at 6 a.m. on Monday.
The Prefect of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, Cyrille Le Vely, is urging the population to be extremely vigilant. He reminds us that it is essential to stay tuned to weather forecasts, to follow "the instructions of the authorities" and declares: "Don't plan any hikes or outings at sea, moor your vessels, anticipate any measures needed to ensure your safety from now on. "
