CARIBBEAN HURRICANE AWARENESS TOUR MAKES A STOP IN TURKS AND CAICOS
April 21, 2023
After a three-year hiatus, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and United States Air Force Reserve are travelling through the Caribbean and Central American Region for their Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour. The Air Force WC-130J “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft made a stop in Providenciales on April 21, 2023 at the Provo Air Center.
The short opening ceremony was chaired by Dr. Holly Hamilton – Director of Meteorology at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, a rendition of National Anthem and National Song was performed by Steven Docture, a student of the SNAP Center. HE Anya Williams – Acting Governor, Hon. E. J. Saunders – Deputy Premier, Hon. Arlington Musgrove – Minister of Immigration and Border Services brought brief remarks. They encouraged everyone to prepare early for the upcoming hurricane season and to see the importance of taking every storm seriously.
National Hurricane Center (NHC) Deputy Director, Jamie Rhome, along with several hurricane specialists, were a part of the crew on the plane and they discussed the importance of hurricane preparedness, resilience and how they can become “weather-ready.”
The tours of the “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft highlighted how scientists collect data about hurricanes.
“Last year’s Hurricanes Fiona, Ian, Julia and Lisa were some of the most deadly and damaging hurricanes to strike the Caribbean,” Rhome said. “We are excited to be face-to-face with community members to discuss specific risks their communities may face during a major hurricane, especially the dangers of water and storm surge.”
Representation from the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies and the Red Cross further solidified the message of hurricane preparedness and the two organizations had booths for the attendees to visit as they waited to tour the aircraft.
This exciting event provided a great opportunity for government officials, local disaster management officials, the media, and students to tour the hurricane hunter aircraft and speak with the crew and meteorologists and gain an in-depth understanding of the mission and responsibilities of both the visiting and local meteorologists.