Tropical storm Erin under surveillance

On Monday August 11, the National Hurricane Center named the fifth phenomenon of the season. This is tropical storm Erin, the first Cape Verdean cyclone of the year.

For the time being, according to satellite data provided by specialized organizations, Erin is packing maximum sustained winds of between 60 and 110 km/h, while moving westwards at a rate of 20 km/h. Forecasts indicate that it will gradually gain in intensity over the next few days, if not hours. Models suggest that it could strengthen as it crosses the Atlantic to reach major hurricane strength, potentially category 3.

While vigilance is called for, NHC analysts expect the storm to take a west-northwest course. If the forecasts prove correct, Erin will pass more than 480 kilometers north of the West Indies, heading for the Bahamas.

Nevertheless, these are only first trends. Consequently, the populations of the Lesser Antilles need to be vigilant and forward-looking. As a reminder, the special issue of the Journal de Saint-Barth dedicated to the hurricane season can still be downloaded free of charge from the newspaper's website.