Roseau, Dominica – (September, 4th 2017). Ministry of Tourism & Urban Renewal and Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) wishes to advise Tourism Partners to take extra caution during the passage of Hurricane Irma.
At 11am today, a tropical storm watch was issued for Dominica. At 2pm, Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 16.7 degrees north and longitude 53.8 degrees west or about 530 miles east of the Leeward Islands and is moving west south west at 14mph. Maximum sustained winds remain near 120mph. The center of Hurricane Irma is projected to move over or just northeast of the northern Leeward Islands by Tuesday into Wednesday. However, feeder bands are expected to begin to affect Dominica by Monday evening. A deterioration in conditions to include showers, thunderstorms, gusty winds, possible to tropical storm force, and dangerous seas are expected, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday.
We therefore advise our Tourism Partners to continue monitoring the progress of this system and make all the necessary preparations as Hurricane Irma will bring along tropical storm forced winds, showers and thunderstorms. We encourage all hoteliers, restaurants and other property owners to cut overhanging trees, clear drains and any unnecessary debris around your properties in order to minimize damage. Dive operators, yachtees, and other tourism providers along the coastal areas are advised to take all necessary precaution to protect life and property as moderate seas is expected during the next 12 hours with waves peaking near 8.0 feet. Vendors are also asked to ensure that stalls are properly secured.
LIAT, Winair, and other airlines as well as Express des Iles Ferry service have indicated that service will stop from Tuesday into Wednesday. Travelers are therefore advised to stay tuned to the media for updates about the weather and about the resumption of services by transportation companies in and out of Dominica and the region during this weather system.
The Minister of Tourism and Urban Renewal, Senator Robert Tonge encourages all Tourism Stakeholders to make the necessary arrangements in preparation for Hurricane Irma and monitor all updates from the Dominica Meteorological Service (www.weather.gov.dm) and the Office of Disaster Management in an effort to minimize the impact on the Tourism Sector.
For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.DiscoverDominica.com, follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook and take a look at our videos on YouTube.
