Remembering Hurricane Luis… 20 years ago

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Hurricane Luis…

Today marks exactly 20 years since Hurricane Luis wreaked havoc in St. Maarten(5-9-95)!  It was the 12th named storm, 6th hurricane, and 2nd major hurricane (above Cat. 3) of the 1995 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Quick Facts…

The center (or eye) of Hurricane Luis passed about 15 miles (24 km) northeast of St. Maarten, and it produced: 

  • about 6 inches (165 mm) of rain,
  • several F3 tornadoes,
  • strong winds,
  • extensive damage to about 75% of the island, and 
  • about $3 billion (1995 USD) in damage throughout all affected territories — about $1.8 billion (1995 USD) in St. Maarten alone! 

Due to the extensive damage and loss of life of this ’95 storm, the name “Luis” was retired by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It was replaced with Lorenzo for the 2001 Atlantic Hurricane Season. It was used during that season, the 2007 season, and again for the 2013 season.


Current Atlantic Outlook…

The tropical disturbance just off the coast of Africa continues to show signs of developing into a tropical cyclone (i.e. depression or storm) within the next few days. It has a high (80%) chance in 48 hours and medium (90%) chance in 5 days. If it further develops into a tropical storm, it will be named Grace.
We will continue to monitor its progress.

(Click images to zoom in)


Here are some useful links: 
Before a Hurricane
During a Hurricane
After a Hurricane
Emergency Supplies Kit

Reminder:
Prepare your families, homes, and properties in advance of any(more) tropical systems during the rest of this season — Don’t get caught off-guard.

Remember to Get Prepared & Stay Alert throughout this hurricane season.
Additionally, stay tuned to our Facebook fan page for periodic Hurricane Information.

 

Note:

  • SSS-Islands: St. Maarten = 18.0°N, 63.1°W | Saba = 17.6°N, 63.2°W | St. Eustatius = 17.5°N, 63.0°W
  • Neighboring Islands: Anguilla = 18.2°N, 63.1°W | St. Barths = 17.9°N, 62.8°W | Antigua = 17.1°N, 61.9°W | Barbuda = 17.6°N, 61.8°W | Montserrat = 16.8°N, 62.2°W | St. Kitts = 17.2°N, 62.6°W | St. Croix = 17.7°N, 64.7°W | St. Thomas = 18.3°N, 64.9°W | Tortola = 18.4°N, 64.6°W
  • Remaining names for this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season are: Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda.
  • Future Tropical updates will be sent out periodically (as needed).