By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday, 15th August 2024) -Hours after leaving minimal damage in St. Kitts and Nevis following its passage on Tuesday 13th August 2024, Tropical Storm Ernesto intensified and was officially upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane the next day.
Of note, the storm warning was discontinued as of 8:00 PM on Tuesday as the all clear was
announced by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). As of 5:00pm that day, the center of the storm was tracked at 104 miles northwest of the federation and was moving in a west north westerly position at about 18 miles per hour and had maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour.
At that point the center continued to move away while it continued to strengthen with moderate to heavy showers. The public was informed that conditions were expected to subside within hours as the storm continued to move away.
Reports from National Disaster Coordinator Abdias Samuel indicated that the storm caused minimal damage across the Federation. The impact included downed trees, power lines, and significant damage to coastal areas due to high surf following the storm’s passage.
There were also reports of some homes being damaged by fallen trees. As gathered, four individuals needing temporary – LOCAL NEWS – until the 26th of September. So the reality is I still have a responsibility to the country.
Asked what happens after the 26th, he replied: “After the 26th, I will not be the National Disaster Coordinator by my choice…Let me make it abundantly clear… I was not forced to resign…I was not victimized in any way shape or form so I don’t want to elaborate too much on this because it’s just distraction.” In addressing the ongoing situation, Samuel urged the public to focus on the well-being of the nation rather than the distractions surrounding his position.
“Let’s focus the attention. Abdias Samuel is the least of our human beings. Sorry to say so. No disrespect to anyone. The attention is the general public, the people. Let’s make sure that the people are cared for, and we have the mechanisms to be able to support the people in terms of this because one life lost is going to be one life too many for me; that’s my motto,” he expressed.
As the nation braced for Tropical Storm Ernesto, Samuel assured the public that he, along with his team, would continue to work diligently to keep everyone informed and safe. “We’re going to continue to work. You’re going to be hearing me and Elmo on the radio waves.
You’re going to be hearing us sending our voice overs… We’re going to be distributing info graphics until the system is out of the way. Once it’s safe, we’re going to be the first to say yes, it is safe for you to come out,” he concluded.
Front Page Image: National Disaster Coordinator Abdias Samuel (Image credit-Cropped video Screenshot-from NEMAfor a public advisory about Tropical Storm Ernesto) housing were taken to hurricane shelter in St. Kitts. During its closest approach, Tropical Storm Ernesto passed approximately 28 miles south of St.
Kitts and Nevis, bringing tropical storm-force winds between 40 to 50 miles per hour. The storm’s impact led to power outages and disruptions in water supply services, sparking a wave of public criticism on social media directed at the St.
Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC). In response, Samuel on Thursday 15th August applauded the hardworking SKELEC crew whilst urging the public to exercise patience and understanding as work continues in fully restoring services.
As Ernesto moved away from the twin-island nation, it continued to strengthen, moving in a northwestward direction impacting islands including the US Virgin Islands. By Wednesday, 14th August, the storm had developed into a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 miles per hour while tracked moving in a northern direction of Puerto Rico.
According to the weather forecast, hurricane force winds are expected to impact the island of Bermuda between 4-7pm on Saturday 17th August. According to a report from a Bermuda news source Bernews.com, a hurricane warning was issued as of 6 p.m. on Thursday, 15th August as it continues on its path.
The forecast details for the island Bermuda are as follows: * Tropical storm force winds (34+ knots) between 5-7pm Friday. * Storm force winds (50+ knots) between 12-2am Saturday. * Hurricane force winds (65+ knots) between 5-8am Saturday. * The cessation of these impactful winds are as follows: Hurricane force winds (65+ knots) between 4-7pm Saturday. Storm force winds (50+ knots) between 8-11pm Saturday.
Tropical storm force winds (34+ knots) between 5-7am Sunday Additionally, the Bermuda Airport announced it would close at 8 p.m. on Friday, advising passengers to check with airlines for flight status updates. Images: In Advisory 3: Tropical Storm Ernesto concerning St.
Kitts-Nevis, as of 5:00 PM on Tuesday 13th August 2024, the storm was reportedly moving away from the federation (credit: Facebook/NEMANational Emergency Management Agency) 3
