~ Announcement later regarding schools, businesses and civil service ~
PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin officially activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 2:00pm Thursday in a meeting with the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) and associated partners.
Tropical Storm Jerry has been upgraded to a Hurricane and is the fourth hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. Currently, St. Maarten remains under a Tropical Storm Watch. However, this status could be upgraded later today, said Romeo-Marlin.
An announcement will be made by Romeo-Marlin at 6:00pm regarding the status of schools, businesses and the public sector tomorrow. This announcement will be after officials have analysed the 5:00pm weather forecast of the United States (US) National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The EOC has been working diligently with the authorities of the French-side to synchronise measures for the entire island, according to a press release.
St. Maarten Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson advises the population to continue to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Jerry and to review all disaster emergency kits.
The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS) said in its Thursday Special Weather Bulletin that Hurricane Jerry is located approximately 500 miles east-southeast of St. Maarten.
MDS also Hurricane Jerry is expected to pass about 120 miles to the north of St. Maarten on Friday night, if current forecast models hold true. The effects of the system could begin by daytime Friday.
The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) urges the community and new residents to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting government website
www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where one can download a “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide” and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”
Listen to government radio station 107.9FM for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane, said ODM.
For official weather-related information, persons can visit MDS’ website at
