PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- With the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season now less than one week away, the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), which falls under the Fire Department within the Ministry of General Affairs, is urging residents and businesses located in coastal and flood-prone areas to review and finalize their emergency preparedness plans ahead of the six-month hurricane season.
Early preparation is essential to stay safe during the season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in its most recent forecast says up to 14-named storms could form, and of those six (6) could become hurricanes, including up to three major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5) with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher.
ODM is particularly appealing to residents living along the country’s coastline and in low-lying flood-prone districts to ensure they are fully prepared for the potential impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes, including storm surge flooding, strong winds, and coastal erosion.
Those who have not yet made preparations are strongly encouraged to do so immediately and not wait until a storm threatens the country.
Coastal residents and businesses located near beaches and vulnerable shorelines are advised to have plans in place for possible storm surge inundation associated with hurricanes passing near or along the southern coast of Sint Maarten. Coastal communities remain vulnerable to various hazards, including flooding from storm surge, high winds, and erosion of beaches and shorelines.
Areas identified as particularly vulnerable include Beacon Hill, the vicinity of the Princess Juliana International Airport Road connection to Beacon Hill, Simpson Bay Beach, Pelican, Philipsburg, the Great Bay Beach/Boardwalk area, Point Blanche, Oyster Pond/Dawn Beach, and Guana Bay.
ODM advises homeowners in these areas to secure personal belongings and move valuable items to upper levels of their homes or businesses in the event of a storm threat. Residents who do not plan to remain in their homes during a hurricane are urged to make alternative arrangements well in advance regarding where they and their families will shelter safely.
The Office of Disaster Management strongly emphasizes that residents should never wait until the last moment to evacuate. Evacuation decisions should be made at least 24 hours before the arrival of hurricane-force conditions, as emergency personnel and first responders are unable to conduct rescue operations during dangerous weather conditions. Rising storm surge waters can also quickly flood coastal roads, limiting the ability to leave affected areas safely.
ODM reminds the public that personal preparedness is the most important link in reducing disaster risk and protecting lives and property. Residents are encouraged to prepare emergency supply kits that include essential items such as bottled water, canned food, a battery-powered radio, spare batteries, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, medications, bedding, house keys, cash, identification documents, insurance papers, mobile phones, and extra clothing.
Additionally, before evacuating, residents should remember to turn off utilities such as water and gas where possible and ensure all important documents are secured in waterproof containers.
ODM continues to encourage the community to remain vigilant, stay informed, and take all necessary steps now to protect families, homes, and businesses before the hurricane season officially begins on June 1.
For general information about preparing prior to a storm/hurricane strike, visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”
Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.
For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com
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