May 31st, 2019
2019 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON
Issued by the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services
Saturday, June 1st marks the officially start of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Historically across the Atlantic Basin, the averages for named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) and major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) are 12, 6 and 2 respectively.
This year, the U.S National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are forecasting a “near- normal” season with 9 to 15 named storms; 4 to 8 of which could become hurricanes, while 2 to 4 are expecting to evolve into major hurricanes. The Outlook reflects the ongoing El Niño which is expected to persist and suppress the intensity of the hurricane season.
It should be noted that these forecasts are based on probabilities and the analysis of historical data. They are intended to provide an estimate of activity to be experienced during the upcoming season.
Regardless of what the seasonal forecast is, one must be reminded that a disaster can occur from only one hurricane, tropical storm, or even from a lesser developed system. It is therefore important for individuals, businesses and Government entities to recognize their vulnerability, and take the necessary measures to reduce impacts of heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge.
A special appeal is extended to fishers and other marine operators as they are usually the first to be impacted by approaching weather systems at sea. Please be alert during this time of the year
In keeping our mandate, The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services wishes to reassure the general public that it will continue to closely monitor weather conditions around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and issue the necessary public advisories in a timely manner. We will also coordinate with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) about the likely hazards accompanying these systems.
How to access warning messages?
Website: http://www.meteo.gov.vc
Facebook: https://facebook.com/svgweather
Common Alerting Protocol: Download instruction http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/index.php/home/cap-link
Email: Join our mailing list by sending your request to
Local media: Keep informed by listening local radio and television stations for advisories, as well as daily weather updates at 6 am, 12 pm and 6 pm.
The names selected for the 2019 Hurricane Season are:
*Andrea Gabrielle Melissa Tanya
Barry Humberto Nestor Van
Chantal Imelda Olgo Wendy
Dorian Jerry Pablo
Erin Karen Rebekah
Fernand Lorenzo Sebastien
* On May 20th, Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named tropical storm of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, formed over the North-western Atlantic.
Be prepared this hurricane season!!
END