Dominica Prepares for Tropical Storm ‘Ernesto’: Met Office Issues Alert

The Meteorological Service of Dominica has issued a Tropical Weather Alert #1 for the island nation while updating the general public, stating that there is a Tropical System out in the middle Atlantic, which has the chance to develop into a cyclone over the next few days.

According to the information, the system is likely to impact Dominica, given its current director. The Met Office assured the public that it was keeping a close watch but alerted them to stay safe and indoors.

It is also anticipated that if developed, the name of the Tropical Storm will likely be ‘Ernesto.’’ The system could form before approaching the islands, but the greater chance of development is in the Caribbean and especially the Atlantic.

“The Dominica Meteorological Service urges the general public to monitor the progress of a tropical wave which is currently showing signs of organization. Preparation is key,” noted the Dominica Met Office.

It further added that the tropical wave is located near 36W from O4N to 17N and is moving westward at 10 to 15 kt. The potential impacts of this feature are projected to pass north or near Dominica sometime overnight Monday, August 12, into Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

At this time, the models are indicating gusty winds with moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms across the island. Meanwhile, moderate to rough seas can also be expected during this time.

While updating about the weather conditions, the office said that the tropical wave is rolling in today with showers and chances of thunderstorms and added, “If you’re in areas prone to flooding or landslides, stay alert and take action.”

Also, there will be a low concentration of dust haze over the next few days with the Met Service asking the public to keep those masks handy and stay indoors if needed.

The sea conditions are expected slight to moderate with waves peaking near seven feet which required marines to stay cautious.

The weather will remain mostly cloudy and slightly hazy with scattered light to moderate showers and possible isolated thunderstorms. Over the weekend, the weather will remain party cloudy to cloudy with breezy and slightly hazy with some scattered showers and possible isolated thunderstorms.

On Monday, the weather is said to be cloudy to overcast and breezy with showers which could be moderate to heavy at times with chances of thunderstorms.