ODM: Country under a Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning; TS Gonzalo continues to Strengthen; Drivers urged to get home and stay off road network

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) officially announces that motorists currently on the road should get home as soon as possible driving in a safe responsible manner.

The country remains under a Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning.  A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area within 24 hours.

Weather conditions have deteriorated and could get worse as Tropical Storm Gonzalo approaches our area. Residents are advised to remain indoors.

There is no curfew in affect, and hurricane shelters will not be activated under a tropical storm or a category 1 hurricane.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo at 2.00PM was located 65 miles south east of Sint Maarten.  The storm has also strengthened with 70 mile per hour winds and higher gusts, and further strengthening is forecasted during the next 48 hours, and could become a hurricane Monday night.

Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS) says forecasted rainfall is between four to eight inches with isolate maximum totals of 12 inches.

A heavy rainfall advisory and a flood warning are in effect for the country as well as a rough sea advisory.

Under a Tropical Storm Warning; the warning means that there could be sustained wind speeds of between 39 and 73 miles per hour within 24 to 36 hours or less.

For weather updates visit the site of MDS at: www.meteosxm.com

ODM will continue to monitor the progress of the storm.

Additional updates will be provided.