Tropical Storm Warning Expected for St Kitts and Nevis later today

St Kitts and Nevis, which was previously having a tropical storm watch, is likely to have a Tropical Storm Warning, as stated by the Met Department of the country.

The Tropical Storm is likely to hit the island nation tonight or early morning tomorrow. It has so far been showing its effects on the country as many parts are already experiencing cloudy periods and showers throughout the day.

The reason for these intense weather conditions is considered to be leading moisture, winds and instability caused due to the storm.

Presently, the country is experiencing moderate winds of 13 mph from north-northeast, however, it is expected to intensify later in the night as the storm nears St Kitts and Nevis.

According to a recent release by the official met department, the winds are noted to reach from 12 to 23mph towards east, while wind gusts are predicted to reach as high as 35 mph.

The sea levels are also expected to rise to 5 to 8 feet high, posing a threat to nearby fisherman. The rainfall on the other hand is expected to reach 50 mm or 2 inches.

The met department further noted that the approaching tropical disturbance is likely to affect the most to the eastern parts of Caribbean including the Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, St Martin, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Saba, Trinidad and Tobago and St Eustatius.

This is to be noted that the NHC on the other hand is stating this tropical depression to transform into a more potentially destructive storm ‘Ernesto’. The government offices in response to this developing vulnerable climatic conditions scheduled to stay closed on 13thAugust 2024.

Apart from this the Prime minister Terrance Drew also scheduled a virtual meet with the senior government officials to assess the situation and disaster preparedness. This meeting was led by the National Disaster Coordinator Abdias Sammuel, who stated a detailed disaster preparedness plan to all the members of the meet.

The Prime Minister in respect to the developing weather conditions stated that, “The safety of our employees is our top priority. I applaud everyone involved for their dedication to these essential preparedness initiatives. We must remain attentive and take all necessary precautions as we continue to monitor the development of this tropical system”.

The other members at the meeting included Acting Prime minister, Dr Geoffrey Hanley, and Chair of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Board, Mrs. Claricia Langley-Stevens.