Tropical weather will impact the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday and Thursday, with the possibility of heavy rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms.
A tropical wave located to the east of the Lesser Antilles will combine with an extended area of low pressure to the west, resulting in rain — heavy at times — thunderstorms and gusty winds across the islands. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which is currently in effect through 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Currently, all public schools will remain open with the exception of the four high schools, which have previously scheduled parent conferences and will be closed, the V.I. Education Department said in a statement early Wednesday morning.
School buses are running on schedule, the department said, and weather conditions will continue to be monitored throughout the day.
The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ends on Nov. 30. Still, with over a month remaining in hurricane season, residents and visitors to the Virgin Islands must continue to be vigilant about tropical systems.
While the beginning of this year’s hurricane season was relatively quiet, the tropics have been busier in September and October. There have been 12 named storms this season, including Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28 as one of the strongest storms to strike the United States in recorded history.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the peak of hurricane season is typically around Sept. 10. Tropical cyclone organization and development typically decrease after this date, and it is less likely to see significant development late in the season. However, tropical activity is still possible through November and early December.
Residents and visitors can stay updated on weather systems on the VI Source Weather page and sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
