The general public is advised to note that Hurricane Irmais now a dangerous Category 4 Hurricane as it continues to near the Leeward Islands and Northern Windwards.
‘Irma’ is projected to strengthen to Category 5 before making landfall.
At 5pm, Hurricane Irma was located 16.7 North and 54.4 West or about 490 miles east of the Leeward Islands.
A calculation puts the actual hurricane on the islands by about 11am tomorrow, Tuesday. However, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate by later tonight.
Residents are therefore advised to finalise preparations for the hurricane since Dominica could be placed under a Tropical Storm WARNING later tonight.
The general public must continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Irma and listen to advisories put out by the MET Service.
As a precaution, Fishermen must immediately begin to secure all gears and not to venture out since high seas are expected. Small craft operators must remain in port.
Shelter Managers are advised to secure keys to shelters and be prepared to open those shelters by tomorrow, Tuesday.
All Sub-Committees of NEPO should activate plans for a response to Irma.
Persons living in low-lying areas or close to rivers, ravines and other water-ways should be on alert and move to safer areas if needs be. Persons in areas prone to flooding, landslides and falling rocks should be vigilant and exercise extreme caution if they must move around. Also, persons in coastal villages should be mindful of storm surges as life threatening sea activity is expected as Hurricane Irma continues to move across the area.
I pray that Irma will not hard-hit Dominica. May God hear this simple and short prayer.
Fellow Dominicans pray, pray. pray that Irma passes Dominica without a hitch.
God bless and protect you!
Way bwoy, Dominica gon get hit
If you know someone in the USA or its territories needs federal assistance after their area has been declared a disaster, have them contact disasterassistance.gov, or call 1.800.621.FEMA(3362) for help.