Tropical Storm Jerry prompts closures in Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint-Eustatius

Residents of Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Jerry. In response, the government has ordered all shops and public institutions to close from 12:00 p.m. onward.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (about 105 km/h) and is moving west-northwest at 18 mph (about 29 km/h).

The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Friday (local time) during the day, about 140 miles north-northeast of Sint Maarten. Rainfall of 2 to 6 inches (about 5 to 15 cm) is expected, which could lead to flooding, especially in urban areas and mountainous terrain. Landslides are possible in areas with steep slopes.

Residents have been advised to take all necessary precautions. Most government offices will stay closed throughout the day, although the airport remains operational.

Passengers traveling from the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten are urged to stay updated, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Depending on circumstances, airlines may cancel or divert flights. Authorities on Saba and Sint Eustatius have also implemented safety measures.

Jerry is the tenth storm to be given a name in the hurricane season in the Caribbean.