EOC:
Operational leaders of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) met at the Fire Department in Cay Hill this morning to assess the situation on the island with respect to post Hurricane Earl clean-up as well as approaching Tropical Storm Fiona.
Tropical Storm Fiona: A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Sint Maarten. Fiona is expected to pass approximately 70 miles North East of the island around 2.00pm this afternoon.
The Netherlands Antilles/Aruba Meteorological Service informed the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Wednesday morning that the island can expect an increase in cloudiness, an increase in shower activity along with some heavy thunder storms. The possibility also exists for some high to gusty winds as the system passes. The majority of the weather is located in the Northern part of the system well away from the island.
Curfew: During the passing of Tropical Storm Fiona, all persons are advised to remain indoors at home or at work until the weather passes. At this time it is not necessary to re-introduce a curfew.
Schools: Clean-up efforts at the various schools will continue today Wednesday and completed by the end of the day. Teachers are required to report to their respective schools in order to prepare their classrooms. Schools are to open on Thursday, September 2.
Electricity/Water: GEBE has reported that by late this afternoon, most of the island will have electricity. There are still some issues with overhead cables in some districts and these should be back online by late Thursday.
Drinking water production is dependent on electricity. GEBE along with the Water Production Company Airfin have been busy replenishing the water tanks and as electricity is restored this problem would have been remedied.
Clean-Up: Clean-up efforts continue. The Boardwalk will be cleaned during the course of Wednesday. Philipsburg has been cleaned for the most part and district clean-up of debris and household garbage will continue.