The National Emergency Management Organization NEMO is urging Vincentians to be prepared, as the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins today.
The forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), indicates that this year the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely to be below-normal, but residents in coastal areas are being advised to be vigilant, as below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities.
As part of the hurricane preparedness programme, NEMO will be conducting a number of training workshops including Emergency Operation Centre Training and Post Disaster Needs Assessment Training during the month of June.
NEMO will also continue to host a series of activities which began in May to prepare the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the 2015 hurricane season. Among these activities are visits to schools to make preparedness presentations and conduct interactive activities with the students.
Today, Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will deliver a message to mark the start of the hurricane season.
NEMO staff and volunteers will also conduct several whistle stops on the mainland to distribute hurricane information materials, interact with members of the different communities and to give live preparedness messages.
For the 2015 Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 – November 30, the NOAA is predicting a 70 percent likelihood of 6 to 11 named storms, of which 3 to 6 could become hurricanes, including zero to 2 major hurricanes.
While a below-normal season is likely (70 percent), there is also a 20 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season.
Even though the 2015 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season is predicted to be below-normal, NEMO is encouraging the general public to continue to heighten their preparedness activities as one storm Ana was already formed outside of the official hurricane season
