by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Brian Dyer, the director of the Nevis Disaster Management Department, said Tropical Storm Ernesto has had an impact on the island.
Despite lots of rain and strong winds. He expressed confidence that the storm would not severely impact the infrastructure.
“We continue to have strong gusty winds and also periods of moderate to heavy showers. There are reports of strong winds right around the island. There are some downed trees. The shelters on Nevis, however, are not open. As we consider the housing stock on Nevis to be in a strong position with regard to our building codes and our upkeep of buildings. So the impact of tropical Ernesto on our social sector should be minimal.”
Mr Dyer pleaded with individuals to refrain from traversing the streets.
“We continue to monitor the progress of the storm and encourage persons to remain off the streets as there are flooding reported on some streets. Flooding would cause a build-up of debris on the streets and can also cause vehicles to hydroplane. We encourage persons to remain at home and off the streets as far as practicable.”
The prediction is that the worst of the storm will pass by 5:00 p.m. on August 13, but gusty winds are expected to continue into the evening, as well as rain showers into tomorrow. But the worst will have passed by 5 p.m. this afternoon with regards to the passage of the system.
It was advised that the power grid at Hamilton and Gingerland had been affected, and electricity was off in those areas. The Nevis Electricity Company said it would work to restore power once weather conditions improved.
