The US government has one hurricane season warning for its citizens in 7 Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report (NOAA) Center for Climate Prediction, The Caribbean will experience 14 to 21 storms and 6 to 11 hurricanes, including 2 to 5 major hurricanes, from June 1 to November 30.
Weather experts have warned that the This year’s hurricane season could be the strongest in the past two decades.
“This is the highest number of hurricanes forecast in any of The Weather Company’s forecasts.” said experts from The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2.
Estimates suggest so a collision between unusually warm waters and changing weather systems has the potential to bring at least one major hurricane to landfall in 2024.
“Cumulative cyclone activity in the Atlantic Basin will be approximately 170 percent of long-term averages,” according to the University of Colorado.
The US urges Americans to act ‘now’. This means the classic ‘hoping for the best while preparing for the worst’.
Here are some important recommendations:
If you live in or are traveling to the Caribbean or Atlantic Ocean influence areas, make sure you get travel insurance that covers evacuation.
The U.S. Department of State can arrange your departure on commercial airlines from affected countries, but charges are your responsibility.
Please note that you may not be able to leave an affected area for 24 to 48 hours or longer due to road or airport closures. So make sure you have it at hand a construction kit of essentials in a waterproof container with non-perishable food, bottled water, a battery-powered radio and travel documents such as passports. Don’t forget to bring your own medicines.
It is highly recommended that you register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get last-minute weather situation information and help you locate in case you get lost.
Don’t ignore the importance of informing your friends and family back home of your whereabouts.
In the same vein, keep in touch with your hotel staff and local authorities to learn what to do during an emergency. Protocols may differ from those in the United States.
Follow local news and talk to locals to learn what to do in case of an emergency, but do it now before the emergency happens.
