A synopsis of the socio- economic impacts of weather related phenomena on St. Kitts and Nevis for 2012 Presented By: Ms. Vincia Browne Mr Daron Sutton

Weather Summary for St. Kitts for January 2012 up to October 31 st 2012 The main weather features that affected the Federation for the period were tropical waves (TW), tropical cyclones (TC), surface and upper-level troughs, frontal troughs and also low level pockets of moisture. The main weather features that affected the Federation for the period were tropical waves (TW), tropical cyclones (TC), surface and upper-level troughs, frontal troughs and also low level pockets of moisture. The majority of our significant rainfall events (daily total exceeding 25.4mm) began in mid- April and lasted throughout the reporting period. The majority of our significant rainfall events (daily total exceeding 25.4mm) began in mid- April and lasted throughout the reporting period. The three (3) most significant events were April 14 th, July 31 st and October th with totals of 100.5mm, 80.9mm and 312.8mm respectively and were associated with a frontal trough, a TW and TS Rafael respectively. The three (3) most significant events were April 14 th, July 31 st and October th with totals of 100.5mm, 80.9mm and 312.8mm respectively and were associated with a frontal trough, a TW and TS Rafael respectively.

Weather Summary for Nevis for January 2012 up to October 15 th 2012 The same weather features (TW, troughs and TC’s) affected Nevis for the same reporting period. The same weather features (TW, troughs and TC’s) affected Nevis for the same reporting period. Nevis recorded less periods of rainfall exceeding the 25.4mm daily total benchmark than reported in St. Kitts. Nevis recorded less periods of rainfall exceeding the 25.4mm daily total benchmark than reported in St. Kitts. The two most significant rainfall events occurred during the passage of a trough on May 4 th 2012 (62.5mm) and the passage of TS Rafael which produced a three (3) days total of 185.9mm from October th The two most significant rainfall events occurred during the passage of a trough on May 4 th 2012 (62.5mm) and the passage of TS Rafael which produced a three (3) days total of 185.9mm from October th 2012.

Socio-economic impact of the weather events No significant structural damage nor loss of lives were reported due to inclement weather this year. No significant structural damage nor loss of lives were reported due to inclement weather this year. Major waterways flowed forcefully during these events especially in association withTS Rafael. This action impeded the flow of traffic as majority of these waterways flow over the main road. Major waterways flowed forcefully during these events especially in association withTS Rafael. This action impeded the flow of traffic as majority of these waterways flow over the main road. Reports indicated that a number of sectors were mostly impacted by TS Rafael. The agricultural sector was also impacted by a long dry spell (May 28 th to June 30 th ) where an accumulation of 5.2mm was recorded on four rain days. As a result, production reduced considerably. Reports indicated that a number of sectors were mostly impacted by TS Rafael. The agricultural sector was also impacted by a long dry spell (May 28 th to June 30 th ) where an accumulation of 5.2mm was recorded on four rain days. As a result, production reduced considerably.

Socio-economic impact of the weather events cont’d SectorSt. Kitts XCD$Nevis XCD$ Water Department89,48815,847 Public Works (Roads,bridges,ghauts) 1,130,00080,000 Government Buildings400,000 Agriculture Sector891,406323,000 Ports9000 TS Rafael Economic impact on St. Kitts and Nevis

Ferry transportation between the islands as well as flights to and from the islands were disrupted due to the approach of TS Rafael in October, which produced tropical storm force winds in the region along with rough seas in the Federation waters. Regular transportation resumed as soon as the risk from these storms subsided. Ferry transportation between the islands as well as flights to and from the islands were disrupted due to the approach of TS Rafael in October, which produced tropical storm force winds in the region along with rough seas in the Federation waters. Regular transportation resumed as soon as the risk from these storms subsided. Power outages were also reported across the Federation due to precautionary measures taken by the electricity department as well as reported lightning strikes to utility posts. Power outages were also reported across the Federation due to precautionary measures taken by the electricity department as well as reported lightning strikes to utility posts.

Effects of TS Rafael

TS Rafael aftermath

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