Residents across Barbados are being advised to closely monitor the approach of Hurricane Beryl as it makes its way towards the island chain.
Director of the Department of Emergency Management, Kerry Hinds, today issued this caution as officials continue to monitor the system, which is presently moving towards the west near 15 miles per hour or 24 km per hour.
She urged the public to monitor local media for updates and to download the Common Alerting Protocol app – cap.cap or capcap.
Alternatively, persons may also receive email notifications by visiting the DEM’s website and registering for the alerts.
“Updates will be posted via the CAP system,” Hinds stated.
Based on current projections from the Barbados Meteorological Services (MET Office), the centre of the system is expected to pass to the north of Barbados Sunday night into early Monday morning.
An information statement issued by the MET Office at noon today, Friday, July 6, warned that any southward deviation from its present path may require that a watch or warning be issued for Barbados at short notice.
Given these projections, Hinds said it was likely that the island would experience deteriorating conditions on Sunday into Monday.
“We are likely to have rainfall and there is always the possibility of flooding. Those in flood prone areas should take the necessary precautions to mitigate or prepare for possible flooding,” she said.
She added that the MET Office has informed that a high surf advisory and small craft warning would be in effect from tomorrow, Saturday, July 7, from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday, July 9.
The Director urged people to continue to monitor the progress of the system, take all necessary precautions and leave nothing to chance.
She also gave the assurance that all the emergency response agencies were on full alert. (BGIS)
