People across the Caribbean region are carefully following the the progress of Hurricane Irma, which is due to make its way north of the Caribbean islands heading towards the east coast of the United States.
According to a report on AccuWeather yesterday, meteorologists there believe that Irma, currently a category 3 hurricane, is a serious threat to the Caribbean and poses an imminent risk to the northernmost Leeward Islands.
Rain and gusty winds may start as early as tomorrow (Tuesday).
“Irma has been fluctuating in intensity over the past few days, but is expected to strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h) on its closest approach to the islands,” the AccuWeather report said.
“The storm will turn to the north and west over the coming days. This track will put Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, in the brunt of the storm’s rain and wind spanning Tuesday and Wednesday,” it added.
The report said that power outages and damage to trees and structures are possible, even if the centre of Irma misses the islands to the north. Rainfall, it added, could be heavy enough to trigger flash flooding, mudslides and road washouts.
“This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the east coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey,” Evan Myers, senior vice president of AccuWeather said.
Hurricane watches were yesterday posted for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, Guadeloupe and the British Virgin Islands.
Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged people to take preventative measures in case the storm should hit, including cleaning drains and removing objects that could be sent airborne by high winds. Workers began pruning trees and shrubs to reduce chances for branches to tear down power and phone lines.
“The passage of a hurricane is not a matter to be taken lightly, but we must not panic,” Browne said in a statement.
The Antigua and Barbuda weather service said Irma was expected to bring heavy rains, rough surf and high winds to islands along the northern edge of the Antilles.
Hurricane Harvey has caused extensive damage in Texas and so far been held responsible for 44 deaths and damage to 156,000 homes.
Behind Irma, a disorganised area of showers and thunderstorms located hundreds of miles south-west of the Cabo Verde Islands will also need to be monitored for potential development.
This system will move into a favourable environment for organizing and gaining strength as it moves to the west-northwest toward the Lesser Antilles during the middle and latter part of this week.
The next storm in the Atlantic Basin would acquire the name Jose.