The National Emergency Council met Wednesday afternoon and the acting Prime Minister, Montgomery Daniel has advised that all schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 27 as a result of the approach of Tropical Storm Kirk.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains under a tropical storm watch. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are likely to affect the country, in this case in the next 24 hours.
The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) is urging the public to be vigilant and increase preparedness.
Residents in the north of St. Vincent and those living in areas prone to flooding, landslide and storm surge are asked to be alert and prepare to evacuate at short notice.
A high- surf advisory and small craft warning is in effect as of 6p.m. today, Wednesday.
NEMO is also appealing to all persons to pay attention to the information from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services and to ensure that they are prepared at all times.
According to latest update from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services, Tropical Storm Kirk regenerated Wednesday morning.
At 5 p.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Kirk was located near 12.7 degrees north, 55.7 degrees west or about 365 miles …(587km) to the east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph (95km/h) with tropical-storm-force winds extending outwards to about 115 miles (185 km) to the northeast, and 90 miles (145 km) to the southeast of the centre.
Movement was towards the west-northwest near 18 mph (30 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue over the next few days. The centre of Kirk is expected to pass between 80 to 100 miles north of St. Vincent and the Grenadines between Thursday morning and Thursday afternoon.
Sustained winds of between 25 to 35 mph (40 to 55 km/h) with higher gusts are possible across the islands tomorrow as the system passes to the north.
In addition, pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain and scattered thunderstorms can be expected with rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 millimeters) and isolated higher amount in mountainous areas. Large easterly swells of 3 to 4.5 metres (10 to 15 ft) are forecast to accompany the system.
By week-end, northerly swells generated by post-Tropical cyclone Leslie, are expected to propagate southwards across our area. Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators, and these conditions may become even more adverse at times of high tide. Sea bathers and other users of the sea are asked to stay out of the water.
Preparedness Tips
- Clean or clear all drains around your home
- Ensure that your roof is securely fastened
- Ensure that you have emergency supplies – food, medicine, water
- Know where the nearest Emergency Shelter is located
- Charge cellular phones
- Have battery operated lanterns and flashlights