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HURRICANE MARIA DAMAGES COASTLINE
Hurricane Maria was a category 4, when the effects were first felt in St. Kitts and Nevis then increased to a category 5 from Monday 18-Tuesday 19 September 2017. The extensive damage caused by the storm surges has plagued parts of the islands’ coastline. Articles such as http://dmrskn.com/what-to-expect-with-hurricane-maria/ gave insight regarding what to expect.
See below for pictures released from the Department of Marine Resources of the coastline showing locations from the South East Peninsula and Frigate Bay to Basseterre then from Old Road towards New Guinea, Sandy Point then around to Dieppe Bay.
What to expect with Hurricane Maria?
As we prepare for Hurricane Maria, what effects should we expect from this natural phenomenon?
As indicated in this post http://dmrskn.com/impact-of-hurricane-irma-on-fish-landing-sites/ Hurricane Irma damaged fish landing sites in St. Kitts and Nevis. These damages were experienced even as Hurricane Irma passed to the north of the island. Most of the fish landing sites are located on the western side of the islands and are washed by the Caribbean Sea. Hurricane Maria’s path indicates that she would pass south of St.Kitts and Nevis.
It is expected that the brunt of the impact from this hurricane will be felt on our coastline. St. Kitts and Nevis can experience storm surges caused from Hurricane Maria’s high speed winds. Storm surges can be caused by high speed winds create large waves, which when reaching the coast, they no longer have the deep ocean to continue the wave cycle hence pushing the waves unto land. They will produce waves that can inundate the coastline of St.Kitts and Nevis.
Strong gusts of wind combined with heavy rainfall can also impact infrastructure along the coastline.
Fishers and boat owners are advised to dry dock their vessels preferably further inland to avoid or minimize possible damages to their property.
We will keep you updated on the effects of Hurricane Maria after the storm has passed.
Satellite view of Hurricane Maria
Projected path of Hurricane Maria
