Residents across Barbados have been assured that they will receive updates on Tropical Storm Elsa and its implications for the island at regular intervals throughout today.
Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, gave that assurance early this morning as he sought to encourage persons to finalise their preparations ahead of the storm’s arrival.
“I am asking Barbadians to monitor the official news channels, and the media channels of Government and our official media partners to keep updated and informed. We will update you at regular intervals throughout the day as the development of the tropical system also warrants, and we will advise you as to the implications for Barbados. Please stay safe Barbados and listen for further bulletins,” Minister Abrahams said.
In addition, persons may also find the list of hurricane shelters on the Department of Emergency Management’s website at www.dem.gov.bb, or the Barbados Government Information Service website at www.gisbarbados.gov.bb.
They may also download the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) app on their Android and Apple devices to stay abreast of the updates, or the BMS app – BMS Insight – to receive updates on systems likely to affect the island. This app is only available for Android devices at this time.
On its current forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Elsa should pass about 40 miles to the south of Barbados in the early hours of the morning, tomorrow, Friday, July 2.
Minister Abrahams cautioned that by that time, the island was likely to feel the impacts from the weather system, which would include the rolling of unsecured objects, the risk of possible injury and danger to life from flying debris; delays to transport routes and travel services and multiple interruptions of power to utilities services.
In addition, rainfall accumulations between six to eight inches of water are expected, and watches or warnings for flash flooding may be issued from this evening, Thursday, July 1.
The Minister stressed that Barbados remains under a tropical storm warning, and urged small craft to seek safe harbour.
“Please take the time today to clean up around your property; secure loose objects, which may become missiles; clean your drains and your gutters to manage the runoff of water,” he urged. (BGIS)
