Weather services have been changing predictions for Tropical Storm Emily. Wednesday night's projections placed the storm just 35 miles to the northeast of St. Thomas. Thursday morning's update has the small storm several hundred miles to the north of the Virgin Islands.
All predictions are for Emily to become a category one hurricane in the next few days.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said Wednesday, "I have directed that this government assume a heightened state of readiness throughout this territory . . . to ensure we are prepared to respond to any emergency in the event circumstances warrant them.
"I urge the public to continue to monitor the progress of this storm with an eye towards safeguarding homes and property in the event Tropical Storm Emily threatens the territory."
At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Emily was about 275 miles to the east of Barbados. Weather services note that with three tropical storms in the Caribbean area, the movement of each affects the strength and motion of the others. This makes accurate predictions more complicated.
Editor's note: For detailed weather information, including regular updates on Emily's progress, click on the rainbow icon above the menu on St. Thomas Source or St. Croix Source.