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For the time being, the phenomenon, which is about a thousand kilometers from Guadeloupe, is still in tropical wave form. However, according to forecasts by the National Hurricane Center, it is likely to become a tropical storm as it passes north of the Caribbean arc. This trend was confirmed this Monday morning by Vincent Berton, Prefect of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, at a press conference held at the Saint-Martin prefecture.
Red alert announced for Tuesday morning
The representative of the French government stated that the passage of the phenomenon near or over the Northern Isles should begin tomorrow, Tuesday August 13. Not wishing to "play Russian roulette" - in other words, not to take the slightest risk - Vincent Berton announced that Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin will be placed under cyclonic vigilance level orange this Monday evening, and probably red tomorrow morning "quite early". The delegate prefect added: "But this may change depending on how the phenomenon evolves."
The departmental operations center (COD) was activated this Monday morning at 8am. In anticipation of the possible passage of a tropical storm, the prefecture is urging the population to clear the land around their homes, so as not to leave any potential projectiles lying around. The main reason for this is the strong winds that could be generated by the meteorological phenomenon.
Strong winds, heavy rain
Indeed, Météo France estimates that the storm could produce winds averaging 90 km/h, with gusts to 120 km/h. "We need to take this situation seriously", insists the delegate prefect. What's more, forecasts predict heavy rainfall. Cumulative rainfall could reach 100 to 150 millimeters in 24 hours. As for the sea, it is also likely to feel the effects of the phenomenon, with heavy swells producing waves of up to five meters.
Commercial port closed
In fact, the management of the commercial port has already announced that it will be closed for the whole of Tuesday. Its opening on Wednesday will depend on the evolution of weather conditions. "It may be possible to open the port for land-based operations," says the management. But only depending on conditions.
Prefect Berton invites the population to prepare for the possible passage of a storm, or even a hurricane. Check supplies of water, food, survival equipment and communications. If the situation so requires, safe shelters will be open to the public from tomorrow morning.
As a reminder, to help you prepare for the possible passage of a cyclone, the JSB cyclone season supplement is available for download.
https://www.journaldesaintbarth.com/images/medias/editions/special-cyclone-2024.pdf
