Storms | Early Warning System

The Department of Meteorology (Met Office) has an early warning system linked to satellites that records the formation of storms, and then tracks them. The developing storm area is clearly visible on the satellite pictures, and its progress is monitored locally by the Met Office.

Here are some of the definitions of terms and signals that you may be hearing during the hurricane season, from June through November:

• Tropical Depression is a weather front with sustained winds of less than 39 miles per hour.
• Tropical Storm is a cyclone where winds range from 39 to 73 miles per hour.
• Hurricane is a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 or more miles per hour. Torrential rains and destructive waves, known as storm surge, may create flood conditions in coastal and low-lying areas.

When a Tropical Depression forms, the Met Office begins to issue a series of advisories, which include watches and warnings, based on the strength and position of an approaching storm, as follows:

• A Hurricane Watch is declared by the Met Office if winds are expected to reach the islands within 36 hours.
• A Hurricane Warning is declared by the Met Office when dangerous conditions are expected to affect the islands within 24 hours or less. Remember, in our island environment, it is not only the winds but also the effect of storm-generated waves that present a significant hazard. Flooding often occurs in low-lying areas, and residents should make arrangements to evacuation before a storm make landfall.