Caribbean looking at peak hurricane season

The Caribbean region is reaching peak hurricane season with flash flood warnings, heavy rain and wind expected, according to forecasters.

Three disturbances are currently being monitored – with one currently understood to have a 60% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.

The others are much less of a risk.

In a statement, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said: “Showers and thunderstorms are showing signs of organisation in association with a low pressure system located about 550 miles east of the Lesser Antilles.

“Environmental conditions appear generally conducive for development, and this system has the potential to become a tropical depression while it moves westward across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and into the Caribbean Sea on Friday.”

Whether the storm develops or not, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected throughout the eastern Caribbean during Thursday night and Friday, the NHC added.

An US Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate

the disturbance this afternoon if necessary.

The latest reports of Hurricane Gert, which passed near the region earlier this week, are that it is weakening as it races north towards colder waters.

Vigilance

By late Friday, the closest system should be near to the Leeward Islands.

In Dominica, forecaster Viola Pascal urged members of the public monitor the progress of this system.

A flood watch or warning may be issued for Dominica later today, she added.

Last night a flash flood warning was already in effect in low-lying and flood-prone parts of St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands.

As the tropical wave passed near Antigua and Barbuda heavy rainfall should be expected.

Observer media reports that a weather forecaster is requesting people follow weather reports each day.

“Despite the fact there are only waves coming through at this time it is not a sign to be relaxed or complacent. We need to keep our eyes on the tropical Atlantic especially now,” Bernell Simon told the newspaper.

“From mid-August going to the end of September is the most dangerous time of the hurricane season, mid-August to the end of September is really the peak of the season because when you look at it, that’s when we have most activity.”