Red Alert continues, extreme caution
~ Access to French side coastal areas prohibited ~
MARIGOT--Préfet of Guadeloupe Emmanuel Berthier invoked yesterday the necessary emergency measures to safeguard the public, as the effects of the passing storm located 2,500 km North of the Lesser Antilles on Wednesday were expected to worsen today.
Northerly swells associated with the storm were forecast to intensify last night, producing waves of at least 4-5 metres in height or more. Deterioration of sea conditions will continue through today reaching a peak of activity before they start to improve on Friday.
The coastline most affected includes Le Galion, Orient Beach, Wilderness, Anse Marcel, Grand Case, Friars Bay, Marigot, Sandy Ground, and Baie Nettle.
As the red alert remained in place, several “arrêté préfectoral” orders were brought into effect for St. Martin and St. Barths on Wednesday. Access to all North- to Northeast-facing coastal areas and beaches is prohibited to the public. This includes a ban on all nautical activities, camping, parking of cars at beaches, and walking, swimming, or surfing at beaches.
In addition, all inter-island ferry or shuttle services to Pinel Island, Tintamarre, Anguilla and St. Barths have been suspended until further notice. All restaurants at Orient Bay were ordered closed yesterday afternoon.
Persons contravening the regulations risk being warned or fined by the Gendarmerie or Territorial Police.
Despite relatively mild conditions experienced Wednesday except in areas such as Maho Beach and the Galisbay waterfront, authorities indicated the weather warning should not be taken lightly. The Sous-Préfecture gave updates about the situation at two press conferences yesterday.
The back road from the Agrément roundabout to Marina Fort Louis along the waterfront at Galisbay was closed at 9:30am as huge swells pounded against the breakwater, strewing rocks and debris over the road. The closure of the road contributed to a long tailback of cars on the main RN7 trying to get into Marigot.
Beach Plaza Hotel reported water from the swells pouring in through its ocean-side lobby, while restaurants along the waterfront in Grand Case were under threat from waves breaking on the beach.
No sea rescues and no injuries were reported on Wednesday. However, two families were evacuated from their homes in Baie Nettle to the nearby Le Flamboyant Hotel.
The designated shelters are Le Flamboyant Hotel, Nina Duverly School in Marigot, the Cultural Centre in Sandy Ground, and the Cul-de-Sac Collège. There is also an emergency number to call: (590) 29.09.21
