The U.S. Virgin Islands is under a hurricane watch as Tropical Storm Debby marches toward the Leeward Islands and threatens to hit the territory Tuesday.
At 5 a.m. Monday, the strong tropical storm that formed Sunday was located near 15.6 degrees north latitude and 54.7 degrees west longitude or about 680 miles east of the Virgin Islands. Tropical Storm Debby is maintaining a west-northwest motion at 18 miles per hour.
Top winds remain at 50 miles per hour with further strengthening expected as the storm moves through the local area Tuesday. The latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center puts the storm center a bit more to the south, bringing the storm closer to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands than was previously expected.
A reconnaissance flight left St. Croix shortly before sunrise Monday to investigate Debby, and more precise information and data about the storm's characteristics are expected by the time the mission is completed.
Gov. Charles Turnbull, in his first statement since Debby posed a threat to the region, said Monday morning his administration is closely monitoring the storm system. "I encourage all residents to bear in mind that tropical storms and hurricanes are not to be taken lightly," Turnbull said, adding, "I encourage everyone to begin the process of preparing for an anticipated impact by Tropical Storm Debby on Tuesday."
Turnbull said all government employees are expected to report to work as usual today, and he will issue further information about the government's preparedness after huddling with government emergency planners later in the day. He is set to meet with his cabinet at 10 a.m.
Don Johnson, manager of the St. Thomas- St. John chapter of the American Red Cross, has requested that all function leaders contact or report to the St. Thomas office as soon as possible. V.I. American Red Cross volunteers should remain in touch with the news media for reporting instructions.
And in preparation for an anticipated visit by Tropical Storm Debby, Seaborne Airlines announced it is canceling seaplane service after 8:30 a.m. Monday. All flights for the remainder of the day and Tuesday are cancelled.
The latest advisory on Tropical Storm Debby is available on the Knight Quality Stations weather information line at 774-4786; today's weather forecast can be viewed by clicking on the rainbow icon at the top of the Source menu.
