Sunday October 10, 2021 – The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA is monitoring Disturbance 2 located about 500 miles east-southeast of the Windward Islands, moving west-northwestward at about 15 mph. The system has a 30% chance of cyclone formation in 5 days.

At 2:00 pm, the National Hurricane Center, NHC issued the following advisory on the disturbance:

Disturbance 2, is a vigorous tropical wave located about 500 miles east-southeast of the Windward Islands is producing a concentrated area of cloudiness and thunderstorms near the wave axis based on recent satellite-derived surface wind data.Environmental conditions are forecast to be marginally conducive for some additional development of this system while it moves west-northwestward at about 15 mph over the next few days. The disturbance is expected to approach the central and northern Lesser Antilles by late Monday and early Tuesday, and interests in these areas should monitor the progress of this system.

Regardless of development, the system will produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds across portions of the central and northern Lesser Antilles on Tuesday, and across the Virgin Islands and northern Lesser Antilles on Wednesday. The system has 20 percent chance of tropical development in 2 days and 30% chance in 5 days.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA will continue to the monitor the system and provide regular updates as information is released from the NHC.

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed mainly northeast-facing coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping near shore areas.

Timing: Until 6 pm today.

Synopsis: Moderate long period swells are reaching the area, affecting mainly northeast-facing coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate, with the potential for significant impacts. These swells are expected to cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents near affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 2.5 metres (6 to 8 feet), occasionally or locally reaching 3 metres (10 feet). Swell period: 9 to 15 seconds. Swells: Northeast at 1.2 to 2 metres (4 to 6 feet) and occasionally higher.Surfs (breaking swells): Over over 6 fee). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the near shore areas.Coastal flooding: High tides combine with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Precautionary: Beachgoers should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south and west.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Forecaster: Dale Destin

Active children and adults, and people with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit time outdoors and restrict outdoor activity. Also, keep windows and doors closed, as much as possible, and wear a face mask, rated to filter out PM 2.5, when going outside.

Below, Weather Forecast for Montserrat – Sunday October 10, 2021:

Synopsis: Moisture and instability associated with a tropical wave along with a moderate to fresh trade wind flow transporting low level patches across the area will maintain a high chance for shower activity over and around the islands today. Meanwhile hazy conditions will also continue to reduce visibility over and around the island.

Weather Today: Partly cloudy to cloudy and hazy skies with a 70% or high chance of showers and a slight chance of an isolated thunderstorm.

Winds: East-southeast at 14 to 21 mph, reaching as high as 30 mph during showers, over open waters and in elevated areas..

Seas: 4 to 6 feet..Sunset today: 5:52 pm.

Temperatures: daytime high to reach 32°C or 90°F.

Remember, the weather can change at a moment’s notice, Stay Ahead! Events such as flash floods can occur with little or no warning due to prolonged rain, rain showers in the higher elevations and the soil already saturated.

Weather Report: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological ServicesBernell Simon-Forecaster

And, could reasonably reach unhealthy for sensitive groups; hence, the threat of health problems is medium, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them significant impacts.

That’s according to an Air Quality Bulletin issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services today, Saturday October 9, 2021.

It went on to say that everyone should exercise caution, especially sensitive groups such as active children and adults, and people with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit time outdoors and restrict outdoor activity. Also, keep windows and doors closed, as much as possible, and wear a face mask, rated to filter out PM 2.5, when going outside.

The bulletin below:

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) ConcentrationT

iming: Until tonight

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a surge in Saharan Dust. Although the air quality is moderate, it could reasonably reach unhealthy for sensitive groups; hence, the threat of health problems is medium, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them significant impacts.

Air quality index: 60 to 100 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Dale Destin

Reposted from @The Department of Management Agency in the British Virgin Islands, BVI.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the Air Quality is forecast to worsen today, Saturday, across Montserrat associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust.

During dust events where concentrations are high, people are advised to limit dust entering their system as best as possible through the use of masks and protective eye wear. Any mask that filters small particles should be used like: Surgical Mask, N95, P95, P99, KN95.

The conditions of the constant dusty flow can cause allergic reactions like itchy & watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, dry cough ,post-nasal drainage and sneezing.

For those that suffer from congestion, dry cough, and sneezing, doctors recommend creating a more humid environment through a humidifier or inhaling steam as you lean over a container of hot water, taking slow and deep breaths.

For those that suffer from sore throats, in addition to medication if the case is severe, using two teaspoons of honey can aid in the soothing of your throat.

Remaining hydrated is also important. Using fresh aloe gel, mixed with fresh citrus juice provides for a great dust remedy. The anti-inflammatory agents can soothe irritation in the throat and nose, especially if you’ve been coughing.

Source: The Department of Management Agency in the British Virgin Islands, BVI

Photo Credits: #SkyTower

In a recently issued Air Quality Bulletin, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services said although the air quality is at moderate levels, the threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected, today Saturday.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, is appealing to children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask when outside and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

The full statement below:

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Sunday

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday.

Air quality index: 60 to 90 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Caution: Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Dale Destin

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, is therefore, appealing to children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask when outside and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

BELOW: THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR MONTSERRAT – SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021…

Synopsis: Hazy and dry conditions continue across the Leeward Islands which include MONTSERRAT. Meanwhile, an approaching tropical wave, will heighten the chances for cloudiness and showers on Sunday.

Weather today: Partly cloudy and hazy with a 20% or slight chance of showers.Winds: East at 9 to 18 mph, with possible gusts up to 30 mph..

Seas: 5 to 6 feet.

Sunset today: 5:52 pm.Temperatures: daytime high to reach 33°C or 91°F.

Remember, the weather can change at a moment’s notice, Stay Ahead! Events such as flash floods can occur with little or no warning due to prolonged rain, rain showers in the higher elevations and the soil already saturated.

Weather Report: Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological ServicesOrvin Paige-Forecaster

Activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano remains low.

The seismic network recorded five volcano-tectonic earthquakes and two rockfalls this week.

Measurements of the SO2 flux were made by helicopter on 07 October. There were eight traverses with an average flux of 325 tonnes per day.

Due to the large size of the lava dome, pyroclastic flows can occur at any time without warning on any side of the volcano, including Gages from where they can travel rapidly into Plymouth. Tracks across the Belham Valley can be destroyed or heavily modified by flash flooding or lahars, and caution should be exercised crossing the valley during and after rainfall.

The Hazard Level is 1. There is no public access to Zone V, including Plymouth. Maritime Zones E and W are daytime transit only between sunrise and sunset (boats may sail through the zone but must not stop). Anyone who ignores these restrictions is liable to be prosecuted.

Weather Report: Graham A. Ryan, Director, MVO

Photo Credits: Island of Montserrat

According to an Air Quality Bulletin issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services on Thursday, October 7, 2021, the threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, continues to encourage children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration.

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Sunday

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday.

Air quality index: 60 to 90 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Caution: Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Dale Destin

Timing: Until Wednesday.

Synopsis: Fresh winds, due to a tightening pressure gradient, is forecast to cause a combination of wind waves and wind swells to rise, resulting in hazardous seas. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is significant, and there is the potential for extensive impacts. A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 26 to 37 km/h (14 to 20 knots; 16 to 23 mph), with strong gusts to gale-force or around 57 km/h (31 knots; 36 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 2.8 metres (6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching over 3.5 metres (near 12 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 1.5 to 2.5 metres or 6 to 8 feet and occasionally higher. Dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; damage or loss of boats and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.

Caution: Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.

Forecaster: Dale Destin