Current Operating Status: OPEN

Please be advised that Sint Maarten is currently under a small craft advisory due to strong winds. This alert remains in effect through Saturday, January 26.

A high pressure weather system is generating brisk winds, resulting in 7-9 foot swells and dangerous surf conditions. While the advisory is in effect, campus community members are urged to use extreme caution and to avoid swimming and surfing at nearby beaches. Remember, beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers.

For up to the minute information, please visit St. Maarten’s Metrological Department Special Bulletin at http://www.meteosxm.com/weather/forecast/.

Strong and gusty winds are expected to move across Sint Maarten and most of the Caribbean from today through Monday. Very hazardous seas ranging 9-12 feet are expected during this time in the northeast Caribbean.

Winds are expected to range between 21-32mph, with gusts up to 40mph.

Those working outdoors or visiting the beaches, as well as small craft operators, are advised to take particular precaution.

The AUC Campus Response Team is currently monitoring Tropical Wave 96L. As of 2pm ET, this weather system was located approximately 200-250 miles east of Sint Maarten and is moving on a west, northwest path at 10 miles per hour. Weather models predict that Tropical Wave 96L will move to the north of Sint Maarten, however, we can expect localized rain and wind gusts.

Potential Effects on St. Maarten

At present, no tropical storm watches or warnings have been issued for Sint Maarten; however, winds and heavy rainfall will move through this evening and much of tomorrow. Forecasts predict between 2-3 inches of rain and up to 35-mph wind gusts as the storm moves to our north. If conditions deteriorate or a watch/warning is issued, further information will be provided.

Please Use Caution 

AUC urges you to use caution when driving during these weather conditions and to avoid low-lying areas where flooding is common. Recent rainfall has already left nearby roads—including those adjacent to the golf course—saturated and more easily prone to flooding. Swimming, surfing and other water activities should be avoided during this period. 

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Official Communications

In the event of a developing storm, AUC will update this page with information about the weather system and our status of our St. Maarten (e.g., class cancellations, office closures, etc.). You can also check our Facebook page and Twitter feed for regular updates. 

Contacting AUC about a Student's Safety

In that past, AUC has operated a hurricane hotline for family and loved ones with questions about the university's status and response plan. If the hotline is opened, we will release the phone number and call center hours on this page.

AUC also monitors messages to our AUC News email account (aucnews@aucmed.edu) and our Facebook page and Twitter feed. While we may not be able to respond to every inquiry, we will do our best to answer your questions and provide you with the most up-to-date information.

We Are Monitoring Tropical Storm Kirk

The AUC Campus Response Team is currently monitoring Tropical Storm Kirk (TS Kirk). As of 2pm ET, TS Kirk is located 305 miles east of Barbados and is moving west at 18 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 60 mph.

Potential Effects on St. Maarten

At present, no tropical storm watches or warnings have been issued for St. Maarten; however, we should expect windy conditions with heavy showers late Thursday night into Friday. If conditions deteriorate or a watch/warning is issued, further information will be provided.

Watches and Warnings

As Kirk is moving quickly westward, tropical storm warnings have been issued for Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Guadeloupe. Tropical storm watches are in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These islands will begin to experience heavy winds and rainfall on Thursday afternoon into Friday.

Please Use Caution

AUC urges you to use caution when driving during these weather conditions and avoid low-lying areas that will be prone to flooding. Swimming, surfing and other water activities should be avoided during this period.

* * *

Overnight, Tropical Storm Isaac was downgraded to a Tropical Depression as it moved into the eastern Caribbean Sea. The center of the storm is now past the Lesser Antilles and moving westerly towards the central Caribbean Sea.

St. Maarten is no longer under a storm watch and the major effects are now over. However, campus community members can expect scattered rain showers and possible thunderstorms throughout the day as well as moderate to rough sea conditions. For your safety, please avoid swimming and other watersports activities for several days until conditions improve.

With Isaac no longer a threat, this concludes our daily alerts for this storm system. The AUC Campus Response Team thanks everyone for their attention and cooperation.  

* * *

• • The AUC Campus Response Team has continued to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac as it moves on a westerly path toward the Caribbean Sea. According to the National Hurricane Center, Isaac has continued to weaken and remains on its forecast track to the south of St. Maarten. While impacts to the island are expected to be minimal, St. Maarten has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch. The campus community should prepare for scattered showers, wind gusts of up to 35 mph, and dangerous sea conditions later today and into tomorrow.

     

    The AUC campus remains open with all scheduled activities and operations occurring as usual. 

     

    Projected Timing of Effects on St. Maarten

     

    According to current projections, we expect storm-related conditions, including up to an inch of rain, to arrive later this afternoon. Rains will pick up later this evening with the worst of the weather dissipating by the morning. Scattered showers are likely to continue throughout the day on Friday.

     

    Watches and Warnings

     

    St. Maarten is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch, along with Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saba, and St. Eustatius. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area.

     

    A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Dominica. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area.

     

    Potential for Flood Conditions

     

    We anticipate that St. Maarten may receive up to an inch of rainfall as the storm passes. This may cause flooding on the golf course south of campus, resulting in poor road conditions in that area. The AUC Office of Safety and Security will be monitoring the road access via the golf course, and if necessary will be available to transport members of the AUC community from the Maho area to campus. 

     

    Conditions of the Sea

     

    Even though the storm has weakened, please be aware that rough seas are expected for the next few days. For your safety, please avoid swimming and other watersports activities until the storm system has passed from the region.

     

    AUC Campus Shelter

     

    At this time, we do not plan to activate the AUC campus shelter. If you are concerned about your safety in your current housing, please contact Hazarie Ramoutar, Senior Administrator for Campus Operations, at hramoutar@aucmed.edu.

     

    Wellness Counseling

     

    Some students may experience a heightened level of stress or anxiety as the storm system moves through the Caribbean. Please be reminded that AUC’s Wellness Counselors are available to help support students throughout this period and may schedule an individual appointment by email sxmwellness@aucmed.edu or if it is an urgent issue by contacting the crisis hotline at 721-587-6661.

     

    Stay Informed

     

    We encourage all campus community members to refer to the Hurricane Preparedness information available on the AUC website to ensure that you are prepared in the event of a serious weather event: https://www.aucmed.edu/student-life/hurricane-preparedness.

     

    Update Your Contact Information

     

    Students are reminded to update their contact information, including their local St. Maarten address, in the AUC Student Portal. It is critical that we have your current information on file. You can update your address and contact details by clicking on the “Update Personal Information” section of the account settings (upper right corner of your portal dashboard).

     

    * * *

     

  •  

Tropical Storm Isaac Weakening

The AUC Campus Response Team has continued to monitor weather systems in the Atlantic. Over the last 24 hours, Tropical Storm Isaac has weakened in terms of wind speed, although it has continued its track in a westerly direction. St. Maarten remains outside of the National Hurricane Center’s cone projecting the center of the storm’s path. At this time, we do not expect that Isaac will threaten St. Maarten or disrupt university operations. 

The AUC campus will remain open with all scheduled activities and operations occurring as usual. The St. Maarten government has also made the decision to keep local offices and businesses open, although local schools are being closed as a precautionary measure. 

As the storm makes its way past the Lesser Antilles, members of the AUC community should be prepared for scattered showers, wind gusts of up to 35 mph, and the potential for flooded roadways. 

Projected Timing of Effects on St. Maarten

According to current projections, we expect storm-related conditions, including up to one inch of rain, to arrive late Wednesday and to continue into Thursday afternoon. 

Watches and Warnings

There are no watches or warnings in effect for St. Maarten at this time.

• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Dominica. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area. 

• A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Antigua, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saba, and St. Eustatius. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area.

Potential for Flood Conditions

We anticipate that St. Maarten may receive up to one inch of rainfall as the storm passes. This may cause flooding on the golf course south of campus, resulting in poor road conditions in that area. The AUC Office of Safety and Security will be monitoring the road access via the golf course, and if necessary will be available to transport members of the AUC community from the Maho area to campus.  

AUC Campus Shelter 

At this time we do not plan to activate the AUC campus shelter. However, we will continue to assess the need for the campus shelter over the next 24 hours. If you are concerned about your safety in your current housing, please contact Hazarie Ramoutar, Senior Administrator for Campus Operations, at hramoutar@aucmed.edu. 

Wellness Counseling

Some students may experience a heightened level of stress or anxiety as the storm system moves through the Caribbean. Please be reminded that AUC’s Wellness Counselors are available to help support students throughout this period and may schedule an individual appointment by email sxmwellness@aucmed.edu or if it is an urgent issue by contacting the crisis hotline at 721-587-6661.

Stay Informed 

We encourage all campus community members to refer to the Hurricane Preparedness information available on the AUC website to ensure that you are prepared in the event of a serious weather event: https://www.aucmed.edu/student-life/hurricane-preparedness.

Update Your Contact Information

Students are reminded to update their contact information, including their local St. Maarten address, in the AUC Student Portal. It is critical that we have your current information on file. You can update your address and contact details by clicking on the “Update Personal Information” section of the account settings (upper right corner of your portal dashboard). 

* * *

The AUC Campus Response Team has continued to monitor weather systems in the Atlantic. Since our last communication, the weather system Isaac has been downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm. St. Maarten is now just outside of the National Hurricane Center’s cone projecting the center of the storm’s path. At this time, we do not expect that Isaac will threaten St. Maarten or disrupt university operations, although members of the AUC community should be prepared for heavy rains, stronger than usual winds, and the potential for flooded roadways. 

Projected Timing of Effects on St. Maarten

According to current projections, the earliest potential arrival time for storm-related conditions is Thursday morning, September 13. 

Watches and Warnings

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Dominica.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Antigua and Montserrat. 

AUC Campus Shelter 

At this time we do not plan to activate the AUC campus shelter. However, we will continue to assess the need for the campus shelter over the next 24 hours. If you are concerned about your safety in your current housing, please contact Hazarie Ramoutar, Senior Administrator for Campus Operations, at hramoutar@aucmed.edu. 

Wellness Counseling

Some students may experience a heightened level of stress or anxiety as the storm system moves through the Caribbean. Please be reminded that AUC’s Wellness Counselors are available to help support students throughout this period. To schedule an individual appointment, email sxmwellness@aucmed.edu or if it is an urgent issue, contact the crisis hotline at 587-6661.

Stay Informed 

We encourage all campus community members to refer to the Hurricane Preparedness information available on the AUC website to ensure that you are prepared in the event of a serious weather event: https://www.aucmed.edu/student-life/hurricane-preparedness

* * *

The AUC Campus Response Team has been actively monitoring two weather systems in the Atlantic. Over the weekend, Hurricane Helene began tracking to the northwest and is expected to remain in the Atlantic with no threat to land.    

The second system, Isaac, upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane overnight and is approximately 1,200 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. According to the National Hurricane Center, Isaac is moving on a westward path toward the Caribbean and is tracking south of St. Maarten. It is considered a small, compact system that may strengthen over the next 1-2 days before weakening as it approaches the Lesser Antilles on Thursday afternoon. 

While we are not currently in Isaac’s direct path, we will continue to monitor this system and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event. At this time, all campus activities remain scheduled as planned and we will keep the AUC community updated as needed. 

As part of our preparations, the Campus Response Team will be conducting a test of our SIREN alert system at 11:45 am this morning. Please monitor your phone and email and follow the instructions provided.  

We encourage all campus community members to refer to the Hurricane Preparedness information available on the AUC website to ensure that you are prepared in the event of a serious weather event: https://www.aucmed.edu/student-life/hurricane-preparedness

* * *

The AUC Campus Response Team has been activated to monitor weather systems currently located off the western coast of Africa. There is a possibility that one of these systems could develop into a tropical storm or hurricane over the next several days. 

The Campus Response Team will continue to monitor these weather systems and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event. At this time, we do not anticipate any disruption to university activities, and will keep the AUC community updated as needed.  

Please note: This is a good time to review the Hurricane Preparedness information available on the AUC website to ensure that you are prepared in the event of a serious weather event: https://www.aucmed.edu/about/hurricane-preparedness.html. Students, please also take a moment to update your contact information under your AUC Student Portal account settings.  

* * *

Beryl continues to weaken and the Tropical Storm Watch for Sint Maarten/St. Martin has been lifted. As of 5pm ET, the remnants of this storm system were located about 270 miles southeast of Sint Maarten. The weather outlook for Sint Maarten through Tuesday is generally cloudy and breezy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

At this time, we expect that this weather system will have minimal impact on Sint Maarten and will not disrupt university operations.

Tropical Storm Watch

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Dominica (downgraded from a Tropical Storm Warning since our last update).

Tropical Storm Warning

None

Conditions of the Sea

Even though the storm has weakened, please be aware that rough seas are expected through Tuesday. A small craft warning is in effect for Sint Maarten. For your safety, please avoid swimming and other watersports activities until the storm system has passed.

Potential for Flooding

The AUC Office of Safety and Security will be monitoring the road access via the golf course Monday morning to evaluate the water level on the roadways leading to campus. More updates on this will be provided as needed.

AUC Campus Shelter

Although we will not be activating the campus shelter at this time, we are encouraged by the large number of students who signed up to fill volunteer roles in the shelter. We appreciate all students’ engagement in maintaining a safe environment for the AUC community.

Status of Campus  

The campus is open and at this time, all campus activities remain scheduled as planned.

Stay Informed

Thank you to all members of the AUC community for your continued vigilance throughout the storm season. Please continue to monitor your email for updates, and refer to the Hurricane Preparedness information available on the AUC website to ensure that you are prepared in the event of a serious weather event. We also encourage you to share our Hurricane Preparedness webpage with family and friends off island so that they can access the latest updates as they are posted: https://www.aucmed.edu/about/hurricane-preparedness

* * *

Tropical Storm Beryl continues to weaken as it moves across the Atlantic. At 5am ET, the storm was located about 556 miles southeast of Sint Maarten. If current trends continue, the center of Beryl is expected to pass about 128 miles south of St. Maarten early Monday. Maximum wind speed has decreased to 45 miles per hour. Members of the AUC community should be prepared for localized rains and moderate to strong winds of 16-27 miles per hour with higher gusts this evening through Monday morning.

At this time, we expect that this weather system will have minimal impact on Sint Maarten and will not disrupt university operations.

Tropical Storm Watch

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, St. Barthelemy, Saba, and St. Eustasius. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area.

Tropical Storm Warning

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Dominica and Guadeloupe. This means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

Conditions of the Sea

Marine conditions are currently deteriorating and rough seas are expected from today through Tuesday. For your safety, we ask that you avoid swimming and other watersports activities until the storm has passed.

Potential for Flooding

We anticipate that rainfall over the next 1-2 days could result in localized flooding, particularly in the roadway in the vicinity of the  golf course south of campus. Please exercise caution when driving and never drive through a flooded area. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. It takes only 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

AUC Campus Shelter

At this time we do not plan to activate the AUC campus shelter. We would like to thank everyone who signed up to volunteer for a shelter role. If you are concerned about your safety in your current housing, please contact Hazarie Ramoutar, Senior Administrator for Campus Operations, at hramoutar@aucmed.edu.

Status of Campus  

The campus is open and at this time, all campus activities remain scheduled as planned. We will update the community as soon as possible in the event of any changes to Monday’s class schedule.

Stay Informed

The Campus Response Team will continue to monitor this storm system and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event. 

* * *

Weather Update: 7/7/2018 @ 12:00 PM ET

Beryl has been downgraded to a tropical storm in the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. Sint Maarten is now outside of the NHC’s cone projecting the center of the storm’s path, which is a significant distance to the south of the island. The NCH forecast predicts rainfall of 1-2 inches in Sint Maarten through Sunday. At this time, we do not expect that Beryl will threaten Sint Maarten or disrupt university operations, although members of the AUC community should be prepared for localized rains and stronger than usual winds. 

Tropical Storm Watch

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Saba, and St. Eustasius. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area.

Tropical Storm Warning

The Hurricane Watch for Dominica has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning. This means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. 

AUC Campus Shelter 

At this time we do not plan to activate the AUC campus shelter. However, we will continue to assess the need for the campus shelter over the next 24 hours. We would like to thank everyone who signed up to volunteer for a shelter role. If you are concerned about your safety in your current housing, please contact Hazarie Ramoutar, Senior Administrator for Campus Operations, at hramoutar@aucmed.edu. 

Status of Campus  

The campus is open and at this time, all campus activities remain scheduled as planned. We will update the community as soon as possible in the event of any changes to Monday’s class schedule. 

Stay Informed 

The Campus Response Team will continue to monitor this storm system and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event. 

* * *

We are continuing to monitor Hurricane Beryl, which is a category 1 hurricane. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm is approximately 965 miles east southeast of the Lesser Antilles. According to the current forecast track, the center of Beryl will approach the Lesser Antilles over the weekend and cross the island chain late Sunday or Monday. The storm system is expected to weaken once Beryl reaches the eastern Caribbean Sea on Monday, but the system may not degenerate into an open trough (low pressure system) until it reaches the central Caribbean Sea. Currently it has maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour) with higher gusts.  Members of the AUC community should be prepared for localized heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for flooding.

Tropical Storm Watch

Since our update earlier today, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, and St. Barthelemy. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area.

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane watch has been issued for Dominica. This means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.

AUC Campus Shelter

We expect that on Saturday midday we will make a decision about opening the campus as a shelter and will update the AUC community.  

Status of Campus  

The campus is open and at this time, all campus activities remain scheduled as planned.

Stay Informed

The Campus Response Team will continue to monitor this storm system and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event.

* * *

Overnight Tropical Storm Beryl has been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center estimates that the storm is approximately 1,045 miles east southeast of the Lesser Antilles. According to the current forecast track, the storm may strengthen during the next 1-2 days and is expected to still be a hurricane when it reaches the Lesser Antilles late Sunday or Monday. While Sint Maarten is not currently in the direct path of the storm, members of the AUC community should be prepared for localized heavy rain and strong winds.

We expect that on Saturday midday we will make a decision about opening the campus as a shelter.

The storm system is expected to weaken once Beryl reaches the eastern Caribbean Sea on Monday, but the system may not degenerate into an open trough (low pressure system) until it reaches the central Caribbean Sea. Currently it has maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour). 

The Campus Response Team will continue to monitor this system and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event. At this time, all campus activities remain scheduled as planned. We will keep the AUC community updated as needed.  

* * * 

Since our last weather update earlier today, the weather system in the Atlantic has formed into Tropical Storm Beryl. The National Hurricane Center estimates that the storm is approximately 1,295 miles east southeast of the Lesser Antilles. According to the current forecast track, the center of TS Beryl should remain to the east of the Lesser Antilles through Sunday. The NHC reports that Beryl is a tiny tropical storm but that it could strengthen into a hurricane in the next 1-2 days. The forecast notes that Beryl is expected to degenerate into an open trough (low pressure system) just east of the Lesser Antilles over the weekend.

Please note: a tropical storm is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39-73 miles per hour (or 63-118 kilometers per hour).   

The Campus Response Team will continue to monitor this system and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event. At this time, all campus activities remain scheduled as planned. We will keep the AUC community updated as needed.  

* * *

On Wednesday, July 4, the AUC Campus Response Team was activated to monitor a weather system currently located between the Cabo Verde Islands (which are approximately 350 miles off the western coast of Africa) and the Lesser Antilles. According to current forecasts, the system could form into a tropical depression within the next 48hrs but should dissipate as it approaches the islands in the next 6-7 days.

Please note: a tropical depression is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed is equal to or less than 38 miles per hour (62 kilometers per hour).

The Campus Response Team will continue to monitor this system and follow our procedures to prepare the campus in the event of a serious weather event. At this time, we do not anticipate any disruption to university activities, and will keep the AUC community updated as needed.

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