Barbuda hopes for rain from TS Philippe as it remains under warning; Antigua still on watch
A Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda has been issued by the
Meteorological Office (MET), while a watch remains in place
for Antigua.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical-storm conditions are
expected within the specific area within 12 hours.
In an interview on Monday morning, October 2, Councilman John
Mussington said conditions on the sister-island were calm, but could
change by later in the evening.
He noted that the system is still a Tropical Storm – which is not as
severe as a hurricane – and is forecast to bring rainfall, which, he
says, Barbuda desperately needs.
The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has instructed that
at least one shelter in Barbuda be opened, and a similar action might
be taken on Antigua while a watch remains in place.
A watch means that storm conditions are possible within 12 hours;
but the alert could be elevated to a warning based on the continued
movement of Tropical Storm Philippe.
On the forecast track, the centre of Philippe is expected to pass near
or just northeast of the northern Leeward Islands tonight, October 2.
Therefore, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is
advising residents to have their preparedness plans finalized.
NODS reportedly has been in regular contact with its district
disaster coordinators in the various village, in case the need arises
for shelters to be opened.
Those households in low-lying or flood-prone areas should take
necessary precautions and be ready to evacuate if the need arises,
NODS cautions.
Meanwhile, due to ongoing weather concerns, government offices
and primary schools closed at 2 p.m. on Monday, allowing workers
sufficient time to go home and prepare for the storm.
Citizens are urged to stay informed and take precautions during this
period of heightened weather risk.
In the meantime, LIAT has had to cancel a number of flights due to
the pending weather conditions.
Passengers were advised earlier today that several pre-booked
services would be cancelled due to the impending passage of TS
Phillippe.
The cancellations affected several services, including LI 332 from St.
Vincent to St. Lucia; LI 332 from St. Lucia to Antigua; LI 332 from
Antigua to St. Maarten; LI 332 from St. Maarten to Tortola; and LI
335 from Tortola to Antigua.
Passengers are advised to check their emails or visit the LIAT
website and social-media pages for updates.
Passengers who have been affected by these cancellations will be
allowed to rebook with all change fees waived.
