ODM Urges Continued Vigilance as 2026 Hurricane Season Sets Record-Late Start

GREAT BAY — Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson is urging residents and the business community to remain vigilant and monitor local weather reports from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Forecasters say the season has reached a historical record with zero hurricanes so far, passing September 11, the previous record-latest first hurricane formation set in the 2002 and 2013 seasons. The season has also passed September 10, the climatological peak of Atlantic hurricane activity.

Five named storms have formed so far — Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, and Edouard — but none reached hurricane strength. The latest September 16 outlook from Colorado State University calls for continued below-normal activity over the next two weeks.

Richardson and the Office of Disaster Management warn that preparedness should never be based solely on seasonal forecasts. It only takes one tropical storm or hurricane passing near or directly over the island to cause significant damage, disrupt essential services, and threaten lives.

Residents can find the Hurricane Season Readiness Guide and Hurricane Tracking Chart at www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane. Official information is broadcast on SXMGOV 107.9FM, with weather forecasts available at www.meteosxm.com and Facebook.com/sxmweather. The 2026 hurricane season runs through November 30.