PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Forecasters, including the Colorado State University (CSU) storm center, predict a significant increase in tropical storm activity by the end of August.
While the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been relatively quiet so far, with the fourth named storm, Dexter, dissipating in the North Atlantic this week, experts anticipate a rapid uptick in storm formation in the coming weeks.
Clive Richardson, Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), is urging residents and the business community to stay alert and closely monitor weather updates from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS). Reliable updates can be found at www.meteosxm.com or on their Facebook page at Facebook.com/sxmweather.
Prepare Now: Check Your Disaster Supply Kit
ODM reminds the community to ensure their disaster supply kits are fully stocked and ready. Each kit should include at least two weeks’ worth of food and water. If you haven’t prepared your kit yet, now is the time—don’t wait until a storm is imminent.
For additional hurricane preparedness tips and resources, visit the Government’s official website at www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane. There, you can download the “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide” and “Hurricane Tracking Chart,” or access them directly via this link: https://shorturl.at/VbaxC.
Know the Storm Names and Alerts
The remaining storm names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season are: Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.
Understanding the difference between a watch and a warning is crucial:
- Tropical Storm Watch: Sustained winds of 39-73 mph are possible within 48 hours.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours, with tropical storm-force winds beginning earlier.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours, with tropical storm-force winds beginning earlier.
Even tropical storms, which don’t reach hurricane strength, can be deadly.
Stay Informed
Tune in to the Government Radio station, SXMGOV 107.9FM, for official updates and news before, during, and after a hurricane. You can also follow the Government’s Facebook page, @SXMGOV, for weather updates, national addresses by the Prime Minister, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) announcements.
The hurricane season runs through November 30. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay safe.
