Amid predictions of an average hurricane season, Saint Lucians have been urged to be prepared and take the necessary precautions.
The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and will run until the end of November.
Most early forecasts project an average to below-average season.
Saint Lucia Meteorologist Venantius Descartes explained that the last National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prediction indicated thirteen named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Descartes said NOAA would revise the prediction within a week, and the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services awaited the revision.
Regarding downplaying the potential impact of the upcoming hurricane season because of predictions that it would be average, the Meteorologist pointed to expert advice that it takes only one storm to wreak havoc and change people’s lives.
“The prediction may be for low numbers, maybe ten, or high numbers- sixteen or eighteen. But if one strikes you, it can mean disaster,” Descartes warned.
“The advice is to prepare ahead of time and take all necessary precautions,” he told St. Lucia Times.
I WILL BE DOWN THERE NEXT MONTH, SO I NEED TO TAKE HEED TO THIS WARNING.