MESSAGE: Hurricane Irma becomes a Major Category 3 Hurricane over the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

THE SITUATION:

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, as at 5:00 pm (AST), Thursday August 31, 2017, Hurricane Irma, the ninth (9th) named storm of the 2017 Tropical Atlantic Hurricane Season has intensified to a major category 3 hurricane in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Hurricane Irma was located at 17.3N and 34.8W. Irma has maximum sustained winds of 115 mph with a minimum central pressure of 967 mb. Environmental conditions appear generally conducive for further development while it moves westward near 12 mph. Further strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

The following are summaries of the national actions undertaken by CDEMA PSs:

Saint Lucia

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is engaging in heavy public awareness activities. The Prime Minister, Cabinet, the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC), and other stakeholders of the national disaster management system have all been informed of the possible threat from Hurricane Irma. An information note was circulated to the public informing them of the threat, inclusive of hurricane safety tips.

NEMO along with the Meteorological Service continues to monitor the system.

Dominica

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) has informed the Prime Minister, Cabinet, Committee of Permanent Secretaries and national emergency management stakeholders of the possible threat from Hurricane Irma. A press release was drafted and circulated to all media houses for immediate dissemination to the public, informing them of the threat.

The ODM along with the Dominica Meteorological Service continues to monitor the system.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated the following actions in preparation for the possible threat from Hurricane Irma:

• Community volunteers and other response entities are being mobilized.
• NEMA issued a release yesterday (August 30, 2017) informing residents of the storm. An appeal was made for residents to undertake early preparations and to monitor the local media for updates from NEMA and the Meteorological Service.
• Radio equipment to facilitate internal and external communications was tested.
• Multi sector/ multi agency pre-strike meetings will be held on both islands tomorrow, September 1, 2017.

NEMA along with the Meteorological Services continues to monitor the system.

Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) Weather Update

The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Irma and has advised that more detailed analysis will commence when the system reaches 45 degrees West. Based on updated NHC projections, this may occur towards Saturday September 2, 2017. CIMH will advise the Regional Response Mechanism partners should there be any significant development in the interim.

Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Actions

At present Hurricane Irma poses no immediate threat to any of the CDEMA PS. Presently, Irma is a major category 3 hurricane and given its potential to strengthen and impact the Caribbean, the CDEMA CU urges all members of the Regional Response Mechanism to continue to monitor the progress of this system. The CU acknowledges that a number of PSs have commenced preparatory activities and stands ready to provide regional assistance upon the request from any PS.

The CDEMA CU will continue to monitor the progress of TS Irma and provide updates as necessary.

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

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