WILLEMSTAD - The Meteorological Institute of Curaçao advises taking steps now to prepare for the hurricane season. This advice comes after a weekend of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, especially in Bándabou, where many families experienced damage.
Since the beginning of last week, the Meteorological Institute had warned of the possibility of rainfall over the weekend. Throughout the week, communication via press and social media intensified regarding the expected heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning, which could cause disruption. In the early morning hours of Saturday, as the situation worsened in Banda Bou, yellow and orange severe weather warning codes were issued at 6:00 AM and shortly after 6:20 AM respectively.
According to the latest information from the Meteorological Institute, a significant amount of rain fell in Bándabou between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The rainfall was intense with frequent lightning and thunder. The radar indicated that the worst weather was concentrated around Landhuizen Klein Santa Martha, Santa Cruz, and the southern part of Christoffel Park. The station in Soto recorded a total of 310 mm of rain, much more than originally estimated given the damage. In Savonet, in the northern part of the area, only 17 mm was measured, and at Hato Airport, 29 mm.
The amount of rain in Soto was comparable to the amount that fell during the passage of Tropical Storm Tomas in 2010 (275 mm).
The Meteorological Institute warns that, given the current sea temperature in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the La Niña phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tropical systems in our region.
Meteo advises the community to take necessary steps to be well-prepared for the hurricane season. This way, people can act quickly when a warning is issued, thereby protecting lives and property.