Turks and Caicos Islands Hurricane Summary 2012 Overview

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Turks and Caicos Islands Hurricane Summary 2012

Turks and Caicos Islands Hurricane Summary 2012

Overview � The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is a very active hurricane season. �

Overview � The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is a very active hurricane season. � Thus far we have seen 19 storms which exceeds the number of predicted storms for the season. (10 hurricanes, 1 major ). � There was an early start to this hurricane season with tropical storms Alberto and Beryl developing during the month of May, a few weeks ahead of the official start to the 2012 hurricane season.

2012 Hurricane Season summary 19 Storms 10 Hurricanes 1 Major

2012 Hurricane Season summary 19 Storms 10 Hurricanes 1 Major

Overview � There was no real threat to the Turks and Caicos Islands this

Overview � There was no real threat to the Turks and Caicos Islands this 2012 hurricane season. � The islands were under a tropical storm warning on August 24 th and 25 th as Isaac approached Haiti which is to our southwest. Isaac brought gusty winds an about an inch of rain. � Short lived tropical storm Patty also brought little rain and slight gust in winds across the islands.

Hurricane Isaac Aug. 21 - Sept 1 Peak 80 mph Int. 968 mb

Hurricane Isaac Aug. 21 - Sept 1 Peak 80 mph Int. 968 mb

Tropical Storm Patty Oct 11 – Oct 13 Peak 45 mph Int. 1005 mb

Tropical Storm Patty Oct 11 – Oct 13 Peak 45 mph Int. 1005 mb

Overview � Hurricane Sandy had more impacts on the Turks and Caicos Islands than

Overview � Hurricane Sandy had more impacts on the Turks and Caicos Islands than the previous 2 storms as it relates to wind and rain. � The islands were not placed under any watches or warnings for this storm although the southeastern Bahamas was placed under a tropical storm warning. � Sandy brought average winds of 27 kts with gusts to 38 kts and an accumulated amount of 3. 7 inches of rain from October 24 th to the 26 th.

Hurricane Sandy On Oct 24 Cat. 1

Hurricane Sandy On Oct 24 Cat. 1

Hurricane Sandy Oct. 22 – Oct 29 Peak 110 mph Int. 940 mb

Hurricane Sandy Oct. 22 – Oct 29 Peak 110 mph Int. 940 mb

Preparedness � During these storms the National Emergency Operations Centre NEOC which is the

Preparedness � During these storms the National Emergency Operations Centre NEOC which is the Disaster Management and Emergencies coordinating centre was activated. � Approved shelters were opened to accommodate persons who deemed it necessary to seek better safety. � This may have been necessary due to their homes being vulnerable or their homes may have been in low lying flood-prone areas.

Preparedness � We are now in a better position to track and monitor ALL

Preparedness � We are now in a better position to track and monitor ALL tropical systems be it a threat or not to the Turks and Caicos Islands by use of our new HURRTRAK Advanced 2012 software.

Communication � Communications from the NEOC to the general public has become very effective

Communication � Communications from the NEOC to the general public has become very effective within the past few years. � Warning messages are being broadcast on all local television channels and radio stations.

Communication cont. � With the assistance of all three telecommunications service providers, warnings issued

Communication cont. � With the assistance of all three telecommunications service providers, warnings issued by the NEOC are being sent out to general public via text messages. � Also since just about everyone is now using a smart phone, messages are now being sent out via Blackberry messaging (bbm) or Whats. App.

Communication cont. � There was a cause for concern in the past for messages

Communication cont. � There was a cause for concern in the past for messages being sent out in this fashion because anyone could have been sending these messages out people would just forward it. � All messages approved for radio, television and text messages must be provided by the NEOC and signed by the individual in charge. � All BBM and Whats. App messages will have the name of the individual in charge of the NEOC at the bottom of each message.

Public Response � Since the passage of hurricane Ike in September of 2008 the

Public Response � Since the passage of hurricane Ike in September of 2008 the population gained a much greater respect for watches and warnings being issued for the TCI and now have a higher level of preparedness.

Impacts � The Turks and Caicos Islands did not suffer any damages this hurricane

Impacts � The Turks and Caicos Islands did not suffer any damages this hurricane season except for flooding in the usual low lying flood-prone areas.

Front Street, Grand Turks & Caicos Islands After Sandy passed

Front Street, Grand Turks & Caicos Islands After Sandy passed

Thank you!

Thank you!

Kendre Wilson Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority Meteorological Officer kendrewilson@tciairports. com

Kendre Wilson Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority Meteorological Officer kendrewilson@tciairports. com