SVG asked to be prepared as above-normal 2024 hurricane season is predicted

St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), along with other Caribbean States are bracing for an above normal hurricane season which opened on June 1, and will end on November 30.

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who has responsibility in Cabinet for Disaster Management, has reminded the population that this year’s Atlantic Hurricane season is predicted to be an above-average one. The 2024 season has so far seen the development of a few tropical waves but no development of a tropical cyclone.

The Prime Minster, who also is chairman of the National Emergency Management Council commented on the above-normal season also in regard to increased interest repayment and a narrower repayment window on loans from the World Bank whose International Development Association (IDA), provide loans tailored for Small Island States such as St Vincent and the Grenadines. He noted that they have spoken about loans and grant support provided post-disaster events.

“What about helping me with things to prevent loss and damage from taking place? Upfront monies, grants and soft loans for me to deal with my bridges and my roads, and my sea defences, and river defences, and to build ports which are resilient, and hospitals which are resilient, and schools which are resilient- just talking about an above active hurricane season,” Prime Minister Gonsalves said at a news conference held on Monday June 3, 2024.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) already has released the list of hurricane shelters, and shared preparedness safety tips for flooding and other hazards.

The Central Water and Sewage Authority also has been sharing weekly water storage tips to for so residents can be prepared for cases where the service may be disrupted.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season indicates an 85% chance of an above-normal season, and also forecasts a total of 17 to 25 named storms with wind-speeds of 39 mph or higher. Of these, 8 to 13 are expected to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, with 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

The names of this year’s Tropical Cyclones as listed are: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.