This Wednesday morning the center of Hurricane IRMA Category 5 on the hurricane Saffir-Simpson wind scale with sustained winds near the center of 185 mp/h (295 km/h) and higher gusts was located at 17.9 North latitude and 62.6 West Longitude, to 327km east of Puerto Rico and 615km south-east of the island of Hispaniola. IRMA is moving west-northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h) and this general situation is expected to continue over the next few days according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Some intensity fluctuations are likely over the next two days, but IRMA should remain a strong Category 4 or 5 hurricane over the next two days.

Hurricane force winds extend outwardly up to 50 miles (85 km) from the Center and tropical storm force winds up to 175 miles (280 km).

Hurricane and tropical storm conditions are possible in Haiti at the beginning of Thursday as IRMA moves closer to the north coast of Haiti.

Taking into account the analyzes of the projected trajectory, Haiti should be exposed to the threat of hurricane winds in its northern part and storm force winds elsewhere. According to the UN specialized satellite service, nearly 2.2 million people in Haiti will be in the 90 km / h wind zone and 6.6 million in the 60 km / h wind zone with both stronger gusts.

In addition, heavy stormy rains and a stormy sea with waves that can exceed 4 m, are likely to gradually overwhelm much of the north coast of Haiti to the IRMA crossing.

Accordingly, the Permanent Secretariat of Risk Management (SPGRD) together with the Hydrometeorological Unit Haiti (UHM) triggered on Tuesday 11.30 am the level of pre-alert of vigilance orange (ie moderate to severe impact) \ and announced the activation of the National Risk Management Plan in the face of threats of heavy rain and strong winds with the risk of landslides, strong swells, landslides and floods throughout the country, particularly in the northern regions.

The SPGRD, in conjunction with UHM, formally requests the Haitian population to prepare and stay tuned to the weather reports that will be broadcast throughout the passage of this dangerous system.

Update September 6:

"[...] Irma is likely to hit 5 departments in the Great North , Center, Artibonite, Northeast, North and Northwest, but the whole country is concerned because we can have rain, the risk of flooding, there are many risks of flooding and of major damage as I told you on all the departments of the country. For this reason, the Government of the Republic has decided to trigger the biggest alert level the Red Alert from Wednesday 8 am on the entire territory," declared Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant.

Guidelines:

• Stay tuned for weather forecasts ;

• Stay tuned for instructions from local authorities ;

• Place important papers in a safe place ;

• Prepare food kits ;

• Prepare to evacuate, areas exposed to floods and landslides: (seashores, gullies, rivers, mountainsides, etc...) ;

• Do not cross flooded rivers under any pretext ;

• in case of thunderstorms and strong winds, do not shelter near the windows and in wooded area ;

• Secure everything that can be carried away by the wind and which is outside the house: garbage, tools, posters, lamps, decorative, bulbs;

• Descend any heavy object placed high: antennas, signs...

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22011-haiti-flash-irma-in-category-4-haiti-in-yellow-pre-alert.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21993-haiti-flash-irma-returns-to-category-3.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21983-haiti-flash-hurricane-irma-uncertain-trajectory-the-dpc-is-ready.html

HL/ HaitiLibre