GREAT BAY– At 5.00pm the National Hurricane Center out of Miami has downgraded Tropical Storm Ana from a storm to a depression.
The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service stated at 4.00pm that the Tropical Storm Watch for St. Maarten may be discontinued Sunday night or Monday morning.
The decision taken at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) earlier Sunday afternoon to keep schools closed on Monday, August 17 as a precautionary measure remains in effect. Schools are to open on Tuesday, August 18. According to the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service, there should be an increase in clouds, winds and sea conditions tonight and early morning hours of Monday. A small craft warning has been issued for the islands.
Businesses can operate as usual and all government offices will be open for business. Motorists are requested to exercise a level of caution due to the possibility of localized flooding in low lying areas. Residents living in hill side areas should be vigilant for rock falls that may be caused by any heavy rainfall.
The Public Works Department has been busy clearing waterways, gutters and drainage areas in preparation for any likely flooding. An artificial waterway will be created at the Great Bay beach near the Fresh Water Pond. Water levels in the Salt Pond are at a sufficient level to accommodate additional runoff water.
Former Tropical Storm Ana on Sunday at 8.00pm was located approximately 85 miles East of Dominica. Maximum wind speeds are near 35 miles per hour with higher gusts. The depression is rapidly moving Westward at 25 miles per hour.
Little change in strength during the next 24 hours is not expected and the poorly organized depression could even become a Tropical Wave later tonight.
Tropical Storm Bill as of 5.00pm this afternoon has strengthened further and is located about 1440 miles East of the island chain with maximum wind speeds of 65 miles per hour. This system does not form any threat to the island at this point in time. Bill is moving West North West at 16 miles per hour. Bill could become a hurricane tonight or on Monday.
