The Meteorological Department St. Maarten (MDS) communicates weather events for St. Maarten through its daily forecasts — this is the lowest level of alert at the MDS. In the event of a possible threat due to severe weather, the MDS will issue Special Weather Bulletins.

Special Weather Bulletins include:

• * Small Craft Warning
• * High Surf
• * Heavy Rainfall
• * Severe Thunderstorms
• * Severe Winds

A Precautionary Statement is issued within the Daily Public Forecast, usually when conditions are expected during the forecast period.

An Advisory/Watch/Warning is issued separately, usually when conditions are expected within 1-2 hours.

Refer to the regular local public forecast bulletins for more information about the current weather on St. Maarten.