This is a special update to the residents and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tropical Storm Franklin from Allison Gordon, Director, Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME).
As of 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, the center of Tropical Storm Franklin was located inland over the Dominican Republic, or about 158 miles south-southeast of Grand Turk.
Franklin is now moving toward the north-northeast near 13 mph and is projected to move off the north coast of the Dominican Republic later this afternoon and travel past the Turks and Caicos Islands overnight.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to spread northward to the Turks and Caicos Islands tonight, particularly impacting the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay. Franklin is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches across the Turks and Caicos Islands, with isolated higher amounts of up to 4 inches in the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay. Heavy rains can produce localized flooding of roads, properties, and communities. Swells generated by Franklin can produce wave heights of 6 to 8 feet beginning tonight, impacting the coastlines of the easternmost islands. These conditions could cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions. Weather conditions will subside late Thursday morning as Franklin moves towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The DDME, on behalf of the Government of the TCI, reinforces the fact that your safety is our priority. In response to the threat of Tropical Storm Franklin, the public is advised of the following:
The DDME, on behalf of the Government of the TCI, reinforces the fact that your safety is our priority. In response to the threat of Tropical Storm Franklin, the public is advised of the following:
• Your home is your primary place of shelter, if you think your house is not safe enough, seek shelter with a relative or friend. In addition, the following Emergency Shelters on the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos will be opened at 4 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, until Thursday, August 24, 2023.
Grand Turk – Eliza Simons Primary School
Salt Cay – The Club House Shelter, South District, and the George Been Memorial Methodist Sunday School, North District
South Caicos – The Community Centre, Sarah Hill, and the New Testament Church of God Creole Ministry
A team of trained and competent persons is there to provide support.
• Government offices on these islands were closed at 1 p.m. today as a precautionary measure and businesses were encouraged to release non-essential staff based on their emergency response plans.
• The subcommittees of the national operations group through the dedication and commitment of the Chairpersons are in a state of readiness for any emergency.
• The Emergency Operations Centres on the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos under the leadership of Team DDME and experienced District Commissions will be opened at 6 this afternoon and remain open until tomorrow, Thursday, August 24.
• Operations on these islands will be supported by pre-deployed troops from the TCI Regiment.
• We ask residents on ALL ISLANDS to be prepared at all times.
• Here are a few tips:
Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.
Avoid low-lying areas prone to high tides or storm waves
Stock up on your emergency supplies such as water, food, medication, flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies.
Download the DDME Alert Mobile App and Stay informed.
Let us expect the best, but prepare for the worst.
May God continue to protect our Beautiful By Nature, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Stay Calm! Stay Safe!
