An aerial view shows sail and power boats yesterday, that were damaged after Hurricane Frances hit Ft. Pierce, Florida in the United States, on September 4. Frances hit Florida for a second time on September 5, weaker, but still bearing torrential rains and high winds, as it crossed from the Gulf of Mexico onto the northwestern Panhandle. Reuters photo
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC:
ST. LUCIA'S commercial sector and schools remained shut yesterday as islanders breathed a sigh of relief that Hurricane Ivan no longer posed a serious threat to them.
Many residents awoke yesterday to be told that Ivan, a category three storm had veered south rather than continue along a west-north west track and was no longer posing a serious threat to the island, although a tropical storm watch remained in effect.
Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony in a radio and television broadcast on Monday night cautioned islands to be careful of the storm, saying that the south of the island was likely to feel the brunt of Hurricane Ivan as it made its way through the Windward Islands.
STRANGE STORM
"This seems to be a strange storm, with unusual formation and it is always these unusual storms that we need to be concerned about, so I am appealing to all St. Lucians especially those in the south to take no chances, ensure that you are well prepared for any eventuality," Dr. Anthony said.
The islands security forces had been put on alert since midnight on Monday and the Police Commissioner Ausbert Regis said he had cancelled the leave of all officers.
Regis said the passage of the storm could provide an opportunity for looting and warned that lawbreakers would feel the full force of the law.
Yesterday morning, the effects of the storm were minimal with residents in the south reporting steady and brisk winds, but very little rain. Weather officials said that owing to the fact that the forward speed had been reduced, the island could begin experiencing tropical storm effects closer to midday.