Fourth Storm of the Season TS Dorian Poses No Threat to Country Sint Maarten

Residents advised to monitor system

The fourth storm of the Atlantic hurricane season formed on Wednesday morning – Tropical Storm (TS) Dorian – in the Atlantic Ocean more than 2000 miles from the Eastern Caribbean island chain.

The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) will monitor the progress of TS Dorian which up to Wednesday morning was tracking West North West at a fast 21 miles per hour (mph). Maximum wind speeds at that time were 50 mph.

Based on historical records the 4th storm of the season normally forms by the third week of August. Residents are requested to monitor weather reports related to this system.

The Office of Disaster Management reiterates to the nation that they should have already completed storm/hurricane preparations for the 2013 season; for those who have yet to make preparations such as putting together a family plan on where you would ride out a storm in case your home is vulnerable to a storm/hurricane (wind, flooding, storm surge); to have a disaster supply kit containing items that you will need regardless of where you will ride out a storm/hurricane.

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make the season a bad one.

ODM will continue to monitor the progress of this fast moving storm and will keep the country informed if there is a dramatic change in its course as this storm moves over the Atlantic Ocean.

The remaining storm names for the 2013 season are: Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.