Ideam issues predictions on a possible cyclone in the Caribbean

After the passage of Hurricane Iota through Providencia, Santa Catalina and San Andrés, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (for its acronym, idea) issued an early warning concerning the probable arrival of cyclones in the coming days in the Colombian Caribbean.

According to the declaration n. 138 of 16 November 2020, the analysis and forecasts established with the National Hurricane Center (for its acronym in English) NHC) there’s a 40% chance of cyclonic formation in Caribbean waters that would affect the continental territory and the islands.

“It is expected the consolidation of a low pressure associated with the entry of a new tropical wave which, given the favorable weather conditions, could lead to a tropical depression”, states the idea in its communication, so that “… currently there is a low probability of formation in the next 48 hours but for the next five days the possibility of cyclonic formation will increase by up to 40%“.

The arrival of cyclones in the Colombian Caribbean territories is characterized by an increase in rainfall that would affect infrastructures and would endanger human life due to the concomitance of floods in dangerous lands or with the incidence of landslides. It does not mean the formation of a hurricane.

The institution makes a preventive call to local and departmental authorities to take advantage of the emergency recommendations issued in the last few hours for Providencia, San Andrés and Santa Catalina, affected by the passage of Iota in the last 24 hours.

Therefore, the recommendations to follow are as follows:

-Attention in the coming days to communications and information disseminated by the IDeam and by other local and municipal emergency authorities.

-Monitor the state of local aqueducts and carry out their preventive maintenance.

-Keep a briefcase at hand with a copy of the identity documents of each member of the household, spare clothing, canned food, water, whistle, radio with batteries and flashlight.

-Protect yourself from the rain with an umbrella or raincoat and get out in the heat to avoid a cold.

– Know and review emergency plans, evacuation routes and meeting points.

-Download applications to your mobile Reports and my predictionsand be an active part of risk management processes.

-Do not throw waste or debris in streams, rivers and streets of urban centers.

– To the municipal and departmental councils for risk management consider and monitor possible risks associated with increasing waves and wind, reduced visibility for navigation in the area and sea, heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Small boat operators, tourists and fishermen are advised to carefully monitor the daily evolution of weather and sea conditions. Likewise, it is important that they comply with the recommendations issued by the Port Authority of Cartagena and Santa Marta.

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In the video: the passage of Hurricane Iota through the island of San Andrés