Weather: orange alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms

Over three hours last night, Météo France recorded the following rainfall totals for Saint-Barthélemy: 70 mm at Gustavia, 80 mm at Vitet and 120 mm at Grand Fond. The islands of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy have been placed under orange vigilance for heavy rain and thunderstorms. According to the 5:36 a.m. bulletin from Météo France, the weather is expected to continue to deteriorate throughout the day, with sustained showers and occasional thunderstorms.

The prefecture advises residents to limit their movements, stay informed of weather developments and avoid driving on mountainous terrain in the event of thunderstorms.

"A temporary improvement is expected early next night, before the onset of new showers until early Thursday", says Météo France.

These weather conditions herald the passage of Tropical Storm Jerry. According to forecasts by the National Hurricane Center, it is expected to become a hurricane tomorrow, Thursday October 9. "At this stage, the preferred scenario is the passage of Jerry in the vicinity of the northern Lesser Antilles, at a distance yet to be confirmed, in the form of a hurricane between Thursday and Friday", indicated the prefecture of the Northern Isles in a press release on Tuesday evening. The imminence of the phenomenon's passage prompted the prefect, Cyrille Le Vely, to mobilize all government services.