As the Atlantic Hurricane Season 2024 has intensified again with the formation of Tropical Storm Ernesto. Following which the Leeward Islands are under the threat and can witness tropical storm force winds and rains.
In the recent update by the National Hurricane Center reveals that the Tropical Storm Ernesto is approaching the Leeward Islands and it is likely to bring string winds and heavy rains.
Acting up promptly on the advisories by the Meteorological Departments the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has announced that the VC Bird International Airport will close at 8:00 PM mid noon of August 13.
The airport authorities shared that based on the advisory from Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, they are anticipating the reopening for regular commercial service to reopen by 3:00 PM, August 13.
Further all the staff members and the people in the country are advised to follow all the directions by Antigua and Barbuda’s disaster emergency services and take all the tropical Storm Ernesto necessary measures.
Significantly as the storm is approaching a similar decision has been taken by Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) in Sint Maarten will also remain nonfunctional.
The authorities revealed that the decision has been taken ensuring the safety and security of the travelers.
It is to be noted that the on Tuesday, August 13 the airport will close at 10 AM. After this time, no airport operations will take place. After that on Wednesday, August 14 the airport will stay closed for the entire day.
Princess Juliana International Airport is expected to continue its full operations on Thursday, August 15 at 7:00 AM.
The authorities stated that the forecasts predict hazardous storms that will impact visibility and the condition of the runway. It will be unsafe for the aircrafts to operate.
Moreover, the Caribbean Island of Saba has also announced the closure of the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport and the also the ferry services have been cancelled.
Also, the authorities have announced that at Harbor, Fort Bay, all the ferry services have been cancelled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The travellers are advised to reschedule their tickets through their service provider.
Similarly, the flights of Caribbean Airlines, interCaribbean Airways and several others have been cancelled due to the extreme weather conditions.
Travellers are advised to connect with their airlines for information related to the rescheduling or flight cancellations.
