Message: Danny was upgraded to a Category 2 Hurricane at 11.00a.m. this morning (August 21st 2015). CDEMA continues to urge countries in the Northern Leeward Islands to continue monitoring and to enhance their readiness status.

THE SITUATION:

At 11.00 a.m. the center of Hurricane Danny, a Category 2 Hurricane, was located near latitude 14.0 North and longitude 48.2 West or about 930 miles East of the Lesser Antilles. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane Force winds extend outward from the centre up to 15 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. The system is moving toward the west northwest near 10mph and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the west is expected on Saturday or Saturday night.

PROGNOSIS:

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Nonetheless, close monitoring of the progress of the system is required.

NATIONAL ACTIONS:

The CDEMA Coordinating Unit continues to be in close collaboration with the National Disaster Offices (NDOs) across the region. NDOs have reported ongoing monitoring of the progress of the system and are engaged in planning and preparations for improving readiness. They have also indicated that the general public has been alerted and urged to give attention to their own individual preparedness.

REGIONAL ACTIONS:

The Regional Response Mechanism has been alerted, this includes the CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST), CARICOM Disaster and Assessment Coordination Team (CDAC), the CARICOM Disaster Response Unit (CDRU) through the Regional Security System (RSS), and also partners and donors in the Eastern Caribbean and Disaster Management Partners Donor Group (ECDMPDG).

The Regional Security System (RSS) has advised that they have alerted security personnel, police forces and fire services across the region.

Countries in the Southern and Central sub regions stand ready to support those in the North Western and North Eastern sub regions of the CDEMA System that are in the direct path of Hurricane Danny.

The CDEMA Coordinating Unit has been in contact with United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) – an international partner, who has indicated that they are on standby to support the region.

CDEMA will continue to monitor the system and provide updates as necessary.

The public is advised to

• Monitor radio or television and other official sources of information for progress reports
• Update your personal family preparedness plan and action items according to that plan
• The website www.weready.org provides additional information

CONTACT DETAILS: The CDEMA CU 24-hour contact number 1(246) 434-4880