Local News
2024 Is One the Busiest Atlantic Hurricane Seasons
Up to 13 Hurricanes Expected
This year is anticipated to be one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons, with 17 to 25 systems expected to develop into tropical storms and as many as 13 becoming hurricanes of category one or higher, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favour tropical storm formation,” shared NOAA Climate Prediction Centre in the United States on May 23.
NOAA forecasts seventeen to twenty-five total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, eight to thirteen are predicted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher).
“Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges,” the US weather agency added.
The NOAA statement warned that “severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today.”
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth most active on record, matching the intensity of 1933, with twenty named storms forming.
Among these, seven developed into hurricanes, and three reached major hurricane strength.
The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
