PUBLIC ADVISORY- #003

06:00PM EDT Monday, 21^st August, 2023 Valid until 10:00AM EDT Tuesday, 22^nd August, 2023

...FRANKLIN MEANDERING TO THE SOUTH OF HISPANIOLA...

…TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS…

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions could be experienced within the Turks and Caicos Islands within 48 hours. At 5:00PM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Franklin was located near latitude 14.3 degrees north and longitude 70.1 degrees west, or about 497 miles South-southeast of the Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Franklin is moving slowly toward the west near 5 miles-per-hour, and a slow westward motion is expected through this evening. A sharp turn to the north is expected on Tuesday with this general motion continuing into Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Franklin is forecast to reach the southern coast of Hispaniola by early on Wednesday and pass east of the Turks and Caicos Islands late Wednesday into Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 miles-per-hour with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast before Franklin reaches Hispaniola. Tropical Storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. Residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands should begin to make preparation for the possibility of tropical storm conditions beginning on late Wednesday.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

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• WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Turks and Caicos Islands beginning on Wednesday night.
• RAINFALL: Franklin is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches across the Turks and Caicos Islands, with isolated higher amounts up to 4 inches in the easternmost islands, on Wednesday. Heavy rains can produce localized flooding of roads, properties, and communities.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

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Here are a few precautionary measures and recommendations for the public to follow:

• Stay Informed: Use this time to download the DDME Alert App for significant weather alerts and useful information on preparing for various hazards. Click the link: http://onelink.to/qe7vn2
• Continue to monitor the DDME website and the TCINWS & DDME Social media pages for official weather updates.
• Stock up on Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have an emergency supply kit ready, including non-perishable food items, drinking water, medications, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio, and essential supplies for infants or elderly family members.
• Reinforce Your House and Business Structure: If you still need to complete this task, take the time now to strengthen your home and businesses against storm conditions. Prepare yourself well in advance for potential severe weather impacts.
• Follow Official Guidelines: Follow the instructions and guidelines provided by local authorities. Do not disregard official advice and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.

The Turks and Caicos Islands National Weather Service and the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will continue to monitor the weather conditions and advise the public accordingly.

Next advisory will be at 10:00 AM EDT Tuesday, 22^nd August, 2023.

Forecaster: H. Hamilton

HEAVY RAIN PRODUCING THUNDERSTORMS COULD LEAD TO WET WEEKEND

The combination of a deep upper-level trough and an abundant of tropical moisture will favour the development of thunderstorms that can produce several rounds of heavy rain between tonight and Sunday evening in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The islands of Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos (Western TCI) could experience 4 to 6 inches of rainfall and the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay (Eastern TCI) could experience 2 to 4 inches of rainfall over the forecast period.

 

POSSIBLE IMPACTS

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• Localized flooding in flood-prone areas
• Hazardous road conditions

 

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions. If you must travel, check road conditions and choose safer routes, avoiding flooded areas. Plan your activities and travel accordingly, considering the potential risks associated with hazardous road conditions and flooding.
• Prepare yourself well in advance for potential severe weather impact. Store valuable belongings and important documents in waterproof containers or elevated areas to safeguard them from potential flooding.
• Review your Family Emergency Plan and your Business Continuity Plan.
• Clear any debris or blockages from gutters and drains around your property to ensure proper water flow and reduce the risk of localized flooding.
• Use this time to download the DDME Alert App for significant weather alerts and for useful information on how to prepare for various hazards. Click the link: http://onelink.to/qe7vn2
• Continue to monitor the DDME website and Social media pages for official weather updates.

The Turks and Caicos Islands National Weather Service and the Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies will continue to monitor the weather conditions and advise the public accordingly.

 

Forecaster: Holly Hamilton

On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) notified the Department of Disaster Management that it had received information that a small, private aircraft travelling from St. Kitts to Providenciales with four (4) souls on board reported difficulties South East of Grand Turk. 

The Chair of the Airport Authority reacted quickly, and a coordinated all-agency approach between: The Governor’s Office; DDME; Commissioner and Chair of the Airports Authority mobilized a search and rescue operation that included: the US Coastguard, Maritime Police, Commercial Airlines and Local Boat Captains. The Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, Hospital, Ambulance, Regiment and Red Cross also played their roles.

Despite the Coastguard Helicopters searching the area for over 3.5 hours, there had been no sighting by 15:00. But, at around 15:30, the four survivors were rescued by ‘Deep Blue Charters’ captained by Mr. Kellison Talbot, assisted by Anthony Forbes and Jervis Simmons. In the best traditions of ‘saving life at sea’ Mr. Talbot had opted to join the search rather than accept a tour. Mr. Ed Forbes, businessman and boater of Grand Turk, was also highly instrumental in coordinating a small boat search party.

The Governor spoke to the Pilot immediately after the rescue, and the problem arose because of the failure of the fuel pump to the reserve fuel tank. When this was detected, the aircraft was brought down to a lower altitude; when the engine failed, the aircraft was brought down under control into the ocean about 13 miles South-East of Grand Turk. A raft was deployed, but the sea swell quickly took it away. The crew and passengers were therefore, in the sea, clad in their life jackets, throughout the time of the search. While they could see the Coastguard helicopters, there was never a direct overflight of them.  

The Ministry of Health ensured that an ambulance and staff were present to immediately transport the survivors to the Cockburn Town Hospital for medical observation. Once persons were discharged, the Ministry of Tourism was on hand to ensure hotel accommodation. Fresh clothing and support was provided by H.E. The Governor’s ADC; the TCI Red Cross supported with the provision of toiletries.

Those rescued said they were incredibly grateful to the local crew who saved them and the hospitality shown as they reached Grand Turk. It was very good news they were fit enough to be released from the hospital within hours and were accommodated overnight in Grand Turk. All in Government wish to pass on our thanks to those in the boating community in Grand Turk who so generously gave of their time, and their experience, in generating such a positive outcome, from what so easily could have been a New Year’s tragedy.