All Schools Closed in St. Maarten as Flooding Alert Issued

Tropical Storm Dolly is disrupting air travel across the Caribbean, with Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten placed on alert due to the storm's passage. WINAIR, the regional carrier based in Sint Maarten, has cancelled multiple flights as a result of the deteriorating weather conditions. The cancellations affect routes connected to Sint Maarten, impacting travelers across the region including those flying to and from Aruba. Sint Maarten is bearing the brunt of the storm's effects, with airport operations significantly curtailed. Tropical storms in the Caribbean can cause cascading disruptions across the interconnected network of smaller island airports that depend on regional carriers like WINAIR. Passengers are advised to check with the airline for updates on rescheduled or cancelled flights as the storm moves through the region.

Aruba's meteorological service has issued a weather forecast valid through 6:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Conditions are expected to be partly cloudy with no significant rainfall anticipated during the forecast period. Winds are forecast to range from moderate to strong at times, which is typical for the island's trade wind climate. The forecast does not indicate any major weather disturbances or storm-related threats for the island. Residents and visitors can expect generally dry conditions with periodic cloud cover throughout the day. Such forecasts are routinely issued to help the public, maritime operators, and tourism-dependent businesses plan accordingly. No weather alerts or warnings appear to accompany this particular forecast.

Tropical Storm Dolly is moving rapidly westward with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour, posing a potential threat to the Lesser Antilles. As of 5:00 a.m., the system was located approximately 1,840 kilometers from the region. Despite its movement toward the islands, forecasters indicate the storm is likely to weaken before making significant impact. Aruba and neighboring Caribbean islands are monitoring the system's progression closely. Tropical storms in the Atlantic can shift unpredictably, and residents are advised to stay informed through official weather updates. The storm's expected weakening offers some reassurance, but authorities typically urge preparedness regardless of projected intensity. Dolly is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.