Special operating procedures of Met Department

These procedures define how Meteorological Department staff monitor tropical systems and escalate operations through alert, watch, and warning phases.

Routine monitoring during hurricane season

• Forecasters and assistants on every shift must monitor the Tropical Weather Outlook, with particular attention to disturbances in the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.
• Disturbances posing a threat to Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique must be carefully tracked.
• Special emphasis is placed on systems south of 20N and west of 40W to 65W.

Alert phase

An Alert Phase is established when a tropical cyclone enters the area of greatest concern.

Actions in alert phase

• Sensitize all staff on duty and initiate a tropical cyclone log.
• Inform Airport Management, Disaster Management Agency, and relevant authorities.
• Highlight the system in radio and television weather broadcasts.
• Test communication equipment.

Forecaster continuity requirements

• Properly file all issued bulletins.
• Ensure analyses of surface and 850 mb charts reflect the local situation.
• Outgoing shift must comprehensively brief incoming shift.
• Ensure all model-monitoring tasks are current.

Watch phase

If conditions indicate likely tropical storm or hurricane impacts within 48 hours, establish Watch Phase.

Actions in watch phase

• Continue all Alert Phase actions.
• Have two observers on each shift.
• Coordinate with Trinidad Meteorological Services (TTPP) on progress, forecasts, and conclusions for Grenada.
• Display and update forecast track and strike possibilities.
• Ensure timely plotting of hourly observations by assistants.
• Maintain regular interaction with Disaster Management Agency officials and media.

Warning phase

If tropical storm or hurricane conditions are likely within 36 hours, establish Warning Phase.

Actions in warning phase

• Continue Watch Phase actions.
• If a hurricane warning is issued and the system is above Category 3, dismount communication antenna within appropriate lead time.
• Prepare all on-duty staff to weather the storm at work if conditions warrant.
• Continue observations for as long as safely possible and frequently monitor meteorological sensors.
• Ensure food supply provisions for officers on duty.
• Increase proactive updates to Disaster Management Agency officials and media.
• Deploy one forecaster to EOC when activated.

Shift relieving and continuity of service

• Incoming shift should report at least 30 minutes before official shift start.
• Outgoing shift should remain at least 30 minutes after official shift end to complete briefing.
• If incoming staff are delayed or unable to report, on-duty staff should make best effort to remain and ensure uninterrupted service during critical periods.