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Lines were long at Massy Supermarket in Sky Mall.

BRACE FOR BAD WEATHER

Wed, 09/28/2016 - 12:00am
By: 
Krystal Penny Bowen

 

 
With a tropical wave approaching Barbados, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) sent out a notice to the public to close all businesses, including gas stations by 6 p.m. yesterday.
 
Supermarket operators in the St. Michael area saw an increase in traffic as early as 9 a.m. with most car parks filled to capacity. The Barbados Advocate visited Massy Supermarket in Warrens, which showed customers doing their regular end-of-month shopping with a few customers picking up dried and canned goods. Barbadians who became more aware of the weather situation throughout the day, took the early closure of their workplace to visit the local hardware stores and gas stations for their last-minute emergency supplies.
 

The Meteorological Services released another weather statement around 12 noon yesterday about the tropical wave, which indicated that “a tropical storm warning may be issued for Barbados anytime once the system has been upgraded”. As with previous weather statements, Barbadians and visitors should anticipate heavy rain, high seas and thunderstorm conditions. 

 

Efforts to reach the Grantley Adams International Airport’s Corporate Communications Specialist, Keith Goddard, for the airport’s preparation plans for the system was unsuccessful. However, the regional airlines, LIAT updated its concerned customers via the Internet. 

 

On LIAT’s website, a press release dated September 26 stated that “due to the impending passage of an area of disturbed weather, it could be forced to cancel certain flights from late evening on Tuesday, 27th September to Thursday, 29th September, 2016”. Passengers were also informed that they would be allowed to rebook for a two-week grace period without fees or fare differences. 

 

Passengers were advised to continue monitoring the official meteorological offices, disaster preparedness organisations, radio stations and www.liat.com for further updates.

 

The Ministry of Education and Child Care Board indicated that schools (primary, secondary and tertiary) and nursery schools will be closed today due to the inclement weather. 

 

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000