Guantanamo Prepares for Possible Destructive Weather from Tomas

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Leona Mynes, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Personnel at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, began preparing for possible destructive weather from Tropical Storm Tomas Nov. 1.

Installation leaders are tracking the storm and reviewing potential hazards, such as wind and rain, in an effort to establish a time line for setting condition of readiness (COR) levels to help protect base residents and property.

Tomas is expected to affect Guantanamo Nov. 6-7.

"We will most likely see anything from heavy rain and high seas to major high winds, flooding and damage," said Kevin Robarge, NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay's emergency manager.

The base completed a hurricane readiness exercise (HURREX) in May 2010 and is prepared for the possibility of destructive winds and rain, said Robarge.

"Coordination of resources is key to our preparation and success," said Robarge. "Each department is reviewing their instructions and making plans to begin accomplishing their required settings."