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2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season Speech
Mike Clerveaux, Acting Director, DDME
2021 was an active hurricane season. The Atlantic region had 21 named storms, nine hurricanes with sustained winds of 75 mph and greater and four major hurricanes of category 3-5. Last year’s hurricane season was the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. It became the second season in a row and the third overall in which the designated 21-name list of storm names was exhausted.
The forecasters at NOAA are predicting another well above-average hurricane activity this year, with 19 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. This year is the first in seven years straight that the Atlantic Hurricane Season has not produced a named storm before June 1stseason’s official start.
On Sunday 5th June, Tropical Storm Alex became the first named storm of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, initially formed in the Gulf of Mexico. The trend of the early development of storms before the traditional start of June 1st has official stirred the conversation on officially changing the commencement of the hurricane season from June 1st to May 1st. While the jury is still out on this decision, we do not need to wait to begin our preparations.
This hurricane season, more than any other season, early preparation is key. As we watch in shock the Ukraine and Russian War, we are also aware of the implications it is having on not just the food supply chain but other materials as well.
In some cases, we are experiencing shortages of items, and in other cases, we are experiencing transportation issues. What does this mean for us in the context of preparation for the hurricane season? It simply means prices are likely to go up due to demand, and some items are likely to be in short supply. A cliche that many of us are familiar with and which is most fitting in this context is “early birds catch the most worms.” Therefore, starting your preparation now will allow you to get ahead of the game.
Early preparation is critical at all levels of society. From the government leading by example to the private sector, Non-Profit/Government Organizations (NPO/NGOs), Civic Groups, Community Groups and YOU! Today is the day you should begin your preparation. Not next week or next month or when DDME announce a storm is projected to pass in the vicinity of the TCI. Start your preparation TODAY!
In conclusion, while the scientists have predicted an active hurricane season, of 19 named storms, 9 hurricanes with sustained winds of 74 mph and 4 major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111mph or higher in other words categories 3-5. It is also true that NO scientists, NO meteorologists NO department including the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) nor I can tell you exactly when a storm will impact the Turks and Caicos Islands. But, what we can tell you is that it is only a matter of time.
This year the scientists are also predicting that the Caribbean region is likely to experience a major hurricane. Let us remember the devastation and suffering that was caused by Hanna, Ike, Irma and Maria in the TCI. Let us recall Hurricane Dorian that sat over the Bahamas moving less than 5 miles per hour and producing over 20 ft of storm surge and leaving a trail of devastation behind. Let us remember that it Only takes ONE storm to wreak havoc on our lives, destroy our infrastructure, to erode our economic prosperity. Let us all be on a mission; to always be READY for this year’s hurricane season and beyond.
Speeches
2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season Message
Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Broder Services
We have officially entered the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season; this period calls for us to prepare for adverse weather conditions. We are no strangers to the impact and devastation that the Hurricane Season can bring. But with this experience, we must not become relaxed or complacent.
We have seen the heartbreak, the damage and, in some cases, the loss of life that hurricanes can cause. And as the climate continues to change, storms are only going to become more powerful and more devastating. Those of us who have lived through a Hurricane know that you don't play with the preparedness aspect of it.
Hurricanes and their associated hazards can be one of the most disruptive and destabilising experiences any human bean can have. One stagnant tropical storm, a rainmaker as we call it, has the potential to cripple our economic growth, halt our development and cost us billions of dollars in damages and reconstruction costs.
Everything you have today, you can lose tomorrow. Therefore, I feel compelled to encourage you to join DDME’s Mission: Be Ready and Pledge to Prepare.
Remember that your first responsibility is to save your life and those around you for whom you have that responsibility. Secure your property as far as possible and then be able to survive the aftermath of a hurricane, which can be as stressful as the event itself.
Hurricane season is from June to November, but preparation, response and recovery are ongoing throughout the year. Our team at DDME works around the clock to ensure that the people, equipment, and other capabilities to assist national authorities in preparing for disaster response support are in place. This year DDME has provided us with a mobile app called DDME ALERT. This tool must be on your phone to receive emergency alerts, shelter updates, safety tips, and report damage from the impact hazards. If you haven't already done so, download it today.
My Ministry has adopted a concerted effort to work with all other critical stakeholders in government and the private sector to have all vital systems in place and functioning effectively on each island, including proper hurricane shelters, adequate supplies and reliable telecommunications and power supply.
As Minister responsible for the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, I want to encourage you to take whatever serious and urgent precautions necessary to ensure that this hurricane season does not find you in an unfortunate and dangerous state of unpreparedness and vulnerability.
You must take proactive steps, like having a family emergency & evacuation plan and a fully stocked disaster supply kit with your medication, because access to the critical things you need may not be available.
There is no guarantee that we will have connectivity and transportation easily after the impact of a tropical system, whether a tropical storm or hurricane. However, mother nature has taught us that we must not take Hurricane Preparedness for granted. The Time to prepare is now.
We are also truly grateful to those who genuinely want to help us man the country once a hurricane is approaching. Thank you to our Volunteers, Shelter Managers, temporary workers, NGOs, Auxiliary support, ADRA - Adventist Disaster Relief Agency, TCI Red Cross, Salvation Army, Rotary Club, Soroptimist, our private stakeholders, Civil Servants and First Responders.
We accept that as you help, you are leaving behind your family, friends and your home. We are eternally grateful for the sacrifice you are making. So before you leave your home, make sure that your family are in a good position and capable of taking care of themselves. Secondly, ensure that you are adequately equipped with your emergency supplies to survive on a personnel level to carry out the function you are coming to support effectively.
You cannot judge the dangerousness of a hurricane because it missed us in the past. We are a resilient people, and Resilient People Proactively Plan and Prepare.
Take nothing for granted, don't let down your guard and do whatever is necessary during this hurricane season to keep your families, businesses, communities and this country safe.
May God continue to bless our ‘Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands’ and keep us safe throughout this hurricane season and beyond.
