GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---- Tropical Storm Erika formed on Monday night east of the Leeward Islands.
On Tuesday morning, the country has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch. This means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. Some strengthening of the storm is forecast.
According to the Department of Meteorological Service of Sint Maarten, at 11.00AM Erika was located 720 miles south east of the country.
As a nation, we have for the past couple of days been preparing for Tropical Storm Danny. Danny weakened before it reached the Leeward Islands.
Tropical Storm Erika does not show any weakening over the forecast period. Therefore, maintain your level of preparedness, as Tropical Storm Erika is expected to be in our area within the next two days.
The Office of Disaster Management advises the populace to make preparations to protect life and property. Additional information will be forthcoming on Wednesday after a review of the latest weather data at that point in time with respect to the forecast track of Erika.
On the forecast track, the center of Tropical Storm Erika will approach the Leeward Islands Wednesday or early Thursday bringing tropical storm conditions.
All residents are therefore advised to monitor weather reports (www.meteosxm.com) and check the Government of Sint Maarten website (www.sintmaartengov.org) or the Government of Sint Maarten Facebook Page for official information as it relates to national preparations for the storm.
