Important Info: Hurricanes

Watches & Warnings

The official hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin (the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico) is from 1 June to 30 November. 

Hurricane season is typically most active between mid-August through October, where the height of the season is in mid-September. However, deadly hurricanes can occur anytime within the hurricane season.

• Tropical Storm Watch–Means that tropical storm conditions, or winds of 39 mph or greater are possible in the watch area within 36 hours.
• Tropical Storm Warning–Means that tropical storm force winds between 39 to 73 mph are expected in the warned area within 24 hours.
• Hurricane Watch–Means that hurricane conditions, or winds 74 mph or greater are possible in the watch area within 36 hours. This Watch should trigger your family’s disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated – especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat and/or boarding up windows.
• Hurricane Warning–Means that hurricane force winds of 74 mph or greater are expected in the warned area within 24 hours. This warning can remain in effect if there is still dangerously high water, or a combination of high water and waves even though hurricane force winds have subsided. Once this Warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

Daily Forecast: St. Maarten-St. Eustatius-Saba (SSS Islands)

Today's Weather Update As of Tuesday, 16 August, 2011 - 9:30am.

Almanac 2011: 228 days in, 137 days remaining Hurricane Season: 77 days in, 107 days remaining  Today's Temps High: 86F/30C, feels like 90F/32C Low: 78F/26C, feels like 82F/28C Local Weather Partly to Mostly Cloudy, with a few showers and a risk of thunder. A tropical wave continues to move towards the West and across the Northern & Central Caribbean. Therefore, expect a few showers from time to time over parts of the SSS (and surrounding) Islands. Although most of the activity will past South of the local region, windy conditions will persist for the next 24 to 48 hours. Sea conditions will become fairly rough as the system passes, and mariners (boaters & beach-goers) are urged to use caution as a Small Craft Advisory is in effect until further notice. Winds: are generally from the East at 10 to 25 miles per hour, with higher gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Seas: are moderate to fairly rough with wave heights between 3 to 7 feet, with the highest wave action in and around showers. Tropical Weather Active Storms: Tropical Storm Gert. * Tropical Storm Gert weakens as it moves towards away from Bermuda and over cooler waters. Gert is expected to deteriorate within the next 24 hours and poses NO threat to the SSS (nor surrounding) Islands.  * A tropical wave located over the Central & Northern Caribbean is not expected to develop much in the next couple of days. Thunderstorm activity diminished late Monday evening and there is a small possibility (20% chance) of it becoming a tropical depression. Few showers and gusty winds are still expected throughout the local region. * Elsewhere, a tropical wave formed off the African coast and is showing signs of possible development into a tropical cyclone. This system is about a week away from the Lesser Antilles, so it is too soon to tell if/when this development will occur. Special Weather None.  Outlook for tomorrow  Partly to Mostly Cloudy and breezy, with a few showers from time to time.            Today's Sunset: 6:38pm Tomorrow's Sunrise: 5:55am Do you have any Weather Photos? If you have any footage of heavy showers, flooding, clouds, sea conditions, or anything that you would like to share that is weather-related, please send them toEyeReporters@Eye4Weather.com with the location of each photo. We will post them on our FaceBook Fan Page and our (future) website. Thank you for sharing and be safe! CONTACT US Desiree_Connor@Eye4Weather.com http://eye4weather.blogspot.com Up-to-date Info: www.Facebook.com/Eye4Weather View Video Forecasts at www.FlamboyantBroadcasting.com/Eye4Weather www.FaceBook.com/Eye4Weather www.YouTube.com/Eye4Weather Note: Videos will be updated by 1:00pm daily!

Hurricane Safety Tips (after)

After a Hurricane

Be patient: 

• Make sure that all is definitely clear outside (wait for the “all-clear” from authorities); 
• Watch out for flooding (which can happen after a hurricane); 
• Check for injured/trapped/missing people, without putting yourself in danger & inform the authorities; 
• Report downed power lines & Stay away from them; 
• Stay away from standing water (it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines); 
• Use stored water & food (but gradually, not all at once); 
• Don’t drink tap water until officials say it is safe to do so; 
• Be patient (things will take awhile before they get back to normal); 
• Clean up debris & Do emergency repairs to your premises; 
• Report property damage to your insurance company or agent.

Effects of Hurricane Omar (October '08)

Daily Forecast: St. Maarten-St. Eustatius-Saba (SSS Islands)

Today's Weather Update As of Monday, 15 August, 2011 - 9:00am.

Almanac 2011: 227 days in, 138 days remaining Hurricane Season: 76 days in, 108 days remaining  Today's Temps High: 87F/31C, feels like 96F/36C Low: 78F/26C, feels like 85F/29C Local Weather Partly to Mostly Cloudy, with a few passing showers possible, mainly in the evening to overnight hours. A tropical wave just East of the Lesser Antilles is forecast to bring a few passing showers over parts of the SSS (and surrounding) islands during the next couple of days. This system is expected to pass just South of the local area as it continues its Westward track. Very gradual development is possible during the coming days as it moves through the Caribbean. Otherwise, wind and sea conditions will begin to gradually increase as this wave passes.  Winds: are generally from the East at 8 to 18 miles per hour, and increasing up to 22miles per hour as the wave passes. Seas: are moderate with wave heights between 3 to 5 feet, and may become higher. Tropical Weather Active Storms: Tropical Storm Gert. * Tropical Depression 7 strengthened into Tropical Storm Gert Sunday afternoon near Bermuda, and is forecast to continue moving North and away from Bermuda. Gert poses NO threat to the SSS (nor surrounding) Islands.  * A tropical wave located about 325mi E of the Lesser Antilles is expected to gradually strengthen, as it has a medium (30%) chance for development into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. This system will most likely bring few showers and a possible thunderstorm or two to the local region by late tonight/early tomorrow, while it passes South of us. * Elsewhere, a tropical disturbance located several hundred miles Southeast of Bermuda is no longer expected to develop, due to its proximity to Tropical Storm Gert. However, it can bring additional rainfall to Bermuda tonight or Tuesday. Special Weather None.  Outlook for tomorrow  Partly to Mostly Cloudy and breezy, with a few showers from time to time.            Today's Sunset: 6:39pm Tomorrow's Sunrise: 5:54am Do you have any Weather Photos? If you have any footage of heavy showers, flooding, clouds, sea conditions, or anything that you would like to share that is weather-related, please send them toEyeReporters@Eye4Weather.com with the location of each photo. We will post them on our FaceBook Fan Page and our (future) website. Thank you for sharing and be safe! CONTACT US Desiree_Connor@Eye4Weather.com http://eye4weather.blogspot.com Up-to-date Info: www.Facebook.com/Eye4Weather View Video Forecasts at www.FlamboyantBroadcasting.com/Eye4Weather www.FaceBook.com/Eye4Weather www.YouTube.com/Eye4Weather Note: Videos will be updated by 1:00pm daily!

Hurricane Safety Tips (during)

During a Hurricane

      1.       Activate preparedness plan: 

• Have house boarded up or storm shutters in place; 
• Have emergency kit (including food & water) available for use.

      2.       Act wisely: 

• Stay away from low-lying & flood-prone areas (if your home isn’t on higher ground, go to a shelter); 
• Always stay indoors – in a secure room away from windows (if that is not possible, go into a closet); 
• Take cover in your bathroom or under a staircase/strong table/door frame (if your home shows signs of collapsing); 
• Do not seal the house completely (open a door/window slightly on the side away from the wind); 
• Sleep with clothing and shoes – preferably sport shoes, jeans and a long sleeve shirt (in case of immediate evacuation & to avoid delays/confusion).

~ Note: Remain indoors when the eye passes overhead,
because the calm will end suddenly with stronger winds
coming from the other direction. ~

Daily Forecast: St. Maarten-St. Eustatius-Saba (SSS Islands)

Today's Weather Update As of Sunday, 14 August, 2011 - 10:00am.

Almanac 2011: 226 days in, 139 days remaining Hurricane Season: 75 days in, 109 days remaining  Today's Temps High: 87F/31C, feels like 97F/36C Low: 78F/26C, feels like 86F/30C Local Weather Partly Sunny & HOT, with a brief shower or two possible. Moisture from a recently dissipated tropical disturbance will increase chances for a brief shower or two over parts of the SSS (and surrounding) islands during the next day or two. Additionally, showers will gradually increase by late Monday/early Tuesday as another tropical wave (see below) will just to the North of the local area. Otherwise, wind and sea conditions will begin to gradually increase as this wave passes.  Winds: are generally from the East at 5 to 15 miles per hour with occasional higher gusts. Seas: are moderate with wave heights between 3 to 5 feet. Tropical Weather Active Storms: Tropical Depression 7. * Tropical Storm Franklin lost its tropical cyclone characteristics over the North Atlantic Ocean, as it moved into cooler waters & less favorable environmental conditions. * A tropical disturbance developed into Tropical Depression 7, located about 300mi SSE of Bermuda. It is forecast to become a tropical storm on Sunday, at which time it would be named Gert. Note: These systems pose NO threat to the SSS (nor surrounding) Islands. * A tropical wave located about 500mi NE of the Northern Caribbean is showing minor signs for development, as it has a medium (30%) chance for development into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. This system will most likely bring few showers to the local region by late Monday/early Tuesday, while it passes just North of us. * Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours. Special Weather None.  Outlook for tomorrow  Partly Partly & HOT, with a few showers possible from time to time.            Today's Sunset: 6:39pm Tomorrow's Sunrise: 5:54am Do you have any Weather Photos? If you have any footage of heavy showers, flooding, clouds, sea conditions, or anything that you would like to share that is weather-related, please send them to EyeReporters@Eye4Weather.com with the location of each photo. We will post them on our FaceBook Fan Page and our (future) website. Thank you for sharing and be safe! CONTACT US Desiree_Connor@Eye4Weather.com http://eye4weather.blogspot.com Up-to-date Info: www.Facebook.com/Eye4Weather View Video Forecasts at www.FlamboyantBroadcasting.com/Eye4Weather www.FaceBook.com/Eye4Weather www.YouTube.com/Eye4Weather Note: Videos will be updated by 1:00pm daily!

Hurricane Safety Tips (before)

Before a Hurricane

      1.       Make an Emergency Supply Kit: 

• Important Family Documents (eg: I.D., insurance, bank), 
• Water (1 gallon/person/day for min. 3 days), 
• Non-Perishable Food (for min. 3 days), Non-Electric Can Opener,
• Battery-Powered Radio, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, 
• Candles, Matches (in a waterproof container),
• First Aid Kit, Whistle (to signal for help), 
• Cell Phone(s) & Chargers (solar charger, if available), 
• Prescription Medication, Baby Formula & Diapers, 
• Extra Cash (banks & ATM’s may be temporarily unavailable), 
• Complete Change of Clothing (per person), 
• Feminine Supplies & Personal Hygiene Items, 
• Paper/Plastic Utensils (plates, cups, etc.), 
• Household Bleach (to disinfect & purify water), Garbage Bags, Insect Repellent,
• Fire Extinguisher,  Heavy Duty Gloves (for cleaning up & clearing debris),
• Multi-purpose Knife, Duct Tape, Rope, 
• Books/Games/Puzzles/Writing Utensils (to keep children busy).

      2.      Make a Plan/Prepare your family: 

• Identify an out-of-town contact (as a central link for separated family members); 
• Ensure every family member knows the central contact person & number; 
• Teach family members how to use text messaging/SMS (SMS’s are often more efficient when network(s) are having issues/disruptions); 
• Prepare to make an informed decision to stay at home or go to a shelter/hotel; 
• Make sure your car is filled with gas.

~ Note: You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance. ~

      3.      *Have a pet plan:
Not all shelters/hotels accept pets, so find one that does beforehand.

      4.      Prepare/Protect your property: 

• Check if insurance is up-to-date; 
• Ensure to have enough ply-wood to cover all windows (preferably cut to window-size); 
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything else that is not tied down; 
• Keep all trees & outdoor plants well trimmed (to protect from wind damage); 
• Turn refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting & keep its doors closed (if power-outage is imminent); 
• Fill the bathtub and/or other large containers with water (for sanitary purposes: cleaning & flushing toilets); 
• Store & use generator in a properly ventilated area (NOT indoors); 
• Take pictures of personal property (including furniture, clothing, valuables, and building); 
• Remove or take down TV antennas & satellite dishes; 
• Tape windows to reduce flying glass.

      5.      Be informed: 

• Get familiar with hurricane terms & warnings; 
• Know how to react once a hurricane watch/warning is issued.

 ~ Note: Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category 3 and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories 1 and 2 are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention. ~

      6.      Stay alert: 

• Be ready to put your plan & preparation into action; 
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio/TV/other news media (eg: internet) for weather updates; 
• Listen to authorities for official instructions & procedures.