As the late-in-the-season Hurricane Lenny continued its unusual eastward trek toward the U.S. Virgin Islands Monday afternoon, local agencies were making preparations.
A hurricane watch was issued for the islands late Monday afternoon.
The St. Thomas Red Cross Hurricane Watch Team was to meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Red Cross headquarters at Nisky Center, Suite 222.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull issued a release at 5 p.m. asking residents to check their supplies, water, canned food, medications and first aid kits, and think about whether they would seek protection in shelters.
Boaters were notified they could move their vessels to safe havens, effective Monday. They were asked to have proper chafing material, adequate lines and anchors to properly secure their boats.
Government House said officers would be on hand to help boaters into shelter and to hand out float plans.
The Water and Power Authority is also preparing for the storm. WAPA will provide electrical service and potable water as long as possible but may have to interrupt service, the agency said Monday afternoon, if the storm becomes too severe, in order to protect equipment and personnel.
The utility company reminded residents that if water and power are interrupted it will affect other equipment, including water pumps, gas station pumps, electric stoves and refrigerators.
High winds and rain are expected to accompany Lenny, which could cause downed power lines. WAPA reminded the public that downed power lines are dangerous.
Normally it would be the eastern end of the islands that would feel the storm first, but Lenny is coming from the west. Predictions suggest the storm may heavily affect the western end of St. Thomas, specifically the Fortuna and Bordeaux areas. Heavy rains and high winds are expected throughout the territory.
The governor assured the public that Public Works, Planning and Natural Resources, the Police Department, the National Guard and the VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency will be monitoring the progress of the storm, and asked all residents to do the same.
