The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) advises the general public that Grenada and its dependencies are now under TROPICAL STORM WARNING.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that Tropical Storm conditions are possible for Grenada and its Dependencies in the next 36 hours.
At 5pm, the disturbance was centered at latitude 8.6° North, longitude 50.89° West, about 650 nautical miles east southeast of Grenada.
The system is moving toward the west-northwest near 18 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next few days. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles north of the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 mb (29.80 inches).
On the forecast track, the system will continue on a west north westerly track passing near or over portions of the southern Windward Islands late Tuesday and move over the southern Caribbean Sea or near the northern coast of Venezuela on Wednesday and Thursday.
Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique can expect cloudy to overcast conditions with moderate to heavy scattered showers, thundershowers and gusty winds on Tuesday night with these conditions continuing into Wednesday morning.
Potential impacts from the system includes flooding and flash flooding, rough waves up to 13 feet, landslides and rock fall, tree limbs may break and be thrown about.
In light of the pending threat, the National Emergency Advisory Council (NEAC) convened an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on the nation’s level of preparedness.
The general public is assured that critical response systems are in place and are ready to be activated should the need arise. More information will be shared through timely updates.
Preparation Tips for citizens to follow:
- Continue to monitor NaDMA’s social media page and media houses for weather forecasts and updates.
- Reduce hazards in and around your home; cut overhanging trees, restrain loose outdoor furniture’s and items, clean clogged gutters and blocked drains
- Review your family plan; discuss with members actions to be taken if the hazard impact the island
- Ensure emergency contact numbers are updated and shared
- Identify the nearest shelter to your home. (List shared on NaDMA’s facebook page)
- Check your emergency supply kit
- Safeguard important documents
- Store water in clean covered containers/ ensure your tanks supply have been replenished.
- Prepare for vulnerable members of your family; the elderly, children, pets, people living with chronic illnesses.
NaDMA through the Meteorological Office will continue to monitor the system and provide timely updates.
