The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which falls under the Fire Department, has been receiving queries with respect to a WhatsApp video circulating about a weather system that will impact the islands of the North-Eastern Caribbean in the coming days.
The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS) is not associated with the WhatsApp video clip.
ODM and the Department of Communication (DCOMM) has sought clarity with respect to the aforementioned as it has caused some alarm within the community.
MDS in its midday forecast of Tuesday says there is a strong Atlantic high pressure system that will maintain breezy conditions across the local area. Patches of low-level clouds embedded in this brisk wind flow will cause scattered showers during this forecast period.
A small craft advisory is also in effect for above normal seas due to high winds. Small craft operators and sea bathers should continue exercising caution.
The three day forecast up to Thursday calls for partly cloudy/cloudy, breezy, and scattered showers.
ODM and DCOMM would like to urge the general public to listen to official reports from credible sources such as MDS where weather related matters are concerned.
Listening to or reading unsubstantiated information/reports that does not provide a credible source can cause unnecessary panic.
Official weather information can be found at: www.meteosxm.com.