2.  The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is a very active hurricane season.  Thus far we have seen 19 storms which exceeds the number of predicted storms for the season. (10 hurricanes, 1 major ).  There was an early start to this hurricane season with tropical storms Alberto and Beryl developing during the month of May, a few weeks ahead of the official start to the 2012 hurricane season.

3. 2012 Hurricane Season summary 19 Storms 10 Hurricanes 1 Major

4.  There was no real threat to the Turks and Caicos Islands this 2012 hurricane season.  The islands were under a tropical storm warning on August 24 th and 25 th as Isaac approached Haiti which is to our southwest. Isaac brought gusty winds an about an inch of rain.  Short lived tropical storm Patty also brought little rain and slight gust in winds across the islands.

5. Hurricane Isaac Aug. 21- Sept 1 Peak 80mph Int. 968 mb

6. Tropical Storm Patty Oct 11 – Oct 13 Peak 45mph Int. 1005 mb

7.  Hurricane Sandy had more impacts on the Turks and Caicos Islands than the previous 2 storms as it relates to wind and rain.  The islands were not placed under any watches or warnings for this storm although the southeastern Bahamas was placed under a tropical storm warning.  Sandy brought average winds of 27kts with gusts to 38kts and an accumulated amount of 3.7 inches of rain from October 24 th to the 26 th.

10.  During these storms the National Emergency Operations Centre NEOC which is the Disaster Management and Emergencies coordinating centre was activated.  Approved shelters were opened to accommodate persons who deemed it necessary to seek better safety.  This may have been necessary due to their homes being vulnerable or their homes may have been in low lying flood-prone areas.

11.  We are now in a better position to track and monitor ALL tropical systems be it a threat or not to the Turks and Caicos Islands by use of our new HURRTRAK Advanced 2012 software.

14.  Communications from the NEOC to the general public has become very effective within the past few years.  Warning messages are being broadcast on all local television channels and radio stations.

15.  With the assistance of all three telecommunications service providers, warnings issued by the NEOC are being sent out to general public via text messages.  Also since just about everyone is now using a smart phone, messages are now being sent out via Blackberry messaging (bbm) or WhatsApp.

16.  There was a cause for concern in the past for messages being sent out in this fashion because anyone could have been sending these messages out people would just forward it.  All messages approved for radio, television and text messages must be provided by the NEOC and signed by the individual in charge.  All BBM and WhatsApp messages will have the name of the individual in charge of the NEOC at the bottom of each message.

17.  Since the passage of hurricane Ike in September of 2008 the population gained a much greater respect for watches and warnings being issued for the TCI and now have a higher level of preparedness.

18.  The Turks and Caicos Islands did not suffer any damages this hurricane season except for flooding in the usual low lying flood-prone areas.

19. Front Street, Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands After Sandy passed

20. Thank you!

21. Kendre Wilson Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority Meteorological Officer kendrewilson@tciairports.com