Philipsburg: --- With flash flood warning in effect several areas on the Dutch side of the island were flooded. Drivers were seen braving floodwaters to get their destination. Several parents were also seen heading towards St. Peters to pick their children up. Some schoolyards were completely flooded but most schools kept their students indoors since authorities did not close school for the day. The Government Information Service on Tuesday issued a press release regarding the flood.
Severe rainfall watch is in effect for St. Maarten; Motorists advised to exercise extreme caution.
The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service has issued a special bulletin as of 10.00 am until 12.00 pm related to a "severe rainfall watch" which is in effect for St. Maarten. An updated bulletin will be issued at 12.00 pm.
Motorists are hereby advised to exercise extreme caution while driving on the road network. Drivers who do need to be on the road during this period should remain at home until weather conditions improve.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution while driving in hilly areas and to be on the lookout for possible rock falls.
The Welgelegen road in Cay Hill remains closed to all vehicular traffic until further notice.
Personnel from the Public Works Department are out monitoring rainwater drainage channels while the all-necessary measures have been taken to prevent any flooding.
This entails putting into operation the Salt Pond Pump that would lower the level of the Salt Pond to make room for additional rainfall. The channel at the Great Bay Beach has been opened to allow water in the Fresh Water Pond to exit into the ocean.
Heavy showers are anticipated leading to local flooding over sections of the island. Residents are urged to avoid driving in low-lying areas and in flooded streets until the anticipated heavy rain has tapered off or ended and the anticipated floodwaters have subsided.
In case there are lightening strikes very close to your location, switch off and disconnect any sensitive electronic equipment. Also disconnect any phone line from your computer.
Residents are advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast for any additional information that may be issued and for weather reports issued by the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service.