Hopes that Erin’s passage will be completely uneventful appear to have been in vain, as the country is under a Tropical Storm Watch. According to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS), this is due to the uncertainties surrounding both the track and intensity of this system.
MDS expected the cyclone at its closest point approximately 135 miles northeast of the island on Saturday. With storm force winds extending outwards 60 miles from the centre that may seem like a safe distance, but it is strengthening and forecast to become a hurricane today, Friday, probably increasing the range of its impact significantly.
Besides, any small southerly shift in direction might bring Erin even closer. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was to meet this morning for an update and decide what further actions will be taken after that assessment.
In any case, potential effects include heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, gusty winds and elevated seas. The Great Bay water run-off channel has been opened to prevent flooding at Fresh Pond.
Coastal facility operators and boat owners/mariners are advised to take the necessary precautions against large swells. Small vessels should not venture out.
Contractors and builders are to make construction work sites storm/hurricane ready. Food wholesalers and warehouse depots were requested to prepare for implementing storm plans and securing their properties.
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season started relatively quietly in the local area, but thinking that could last forever would have been naive. This year’s first real threat is on the horizon and too close for comfort.
