Today marks the start of another Atlantic Hurricane Season, lasting until the end of November. Predictions are below average in terms of tropical system development.
This is due primarily to the El Niño weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean. It produces more wind sheer over the Caribbean, which can inhibit storm formation and strengthening.
However, in the past expected busy seasons turned out to be relatively quiet, which means it could also work the other way around. Besides, as the saying goes, “it only takes one” hard direct hit to suffer devastating consequences.
Preparations should therefore not depend on forecasts, but always assume a worst-case scenario, with Hurricane Irma as the most recent example in mind. Islanders know this and so should everybody else on the island during the next six months. It may be something as simple as checking protective shutters to prevent unpleasant surprises should they be needed.
Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA)announced that it has intensified its readiness efforts in the Friday/Saturday edition. The St. Maarten Police Force KPSM asked owners of confiscated motorbikes (see last Thursday’s newspaper) to retrieve their property ahead of the season.
The latter led to some interesting comments. One observer praised the timing, saying the scooters would be back on the street to be used for looting in the event of a bad storm.
While the sentiment is somewhat understandable considering their role in a great number of robberies and the traffic behaviour of many riders, it is a gross generalisation and oversimplification. Not all impounded bikes are linked to crime or have delinquents as riders.
To be sure, they won’t be given back unless proper paperwork is presented. Authorities are doing this to clear the Philipsburg Police Station premises as part of preparing for the Hurricane Season.
People ought to follow their lead, because waiting until the last minute easily becomes too little, too late.
