During a Government House press briefing on Tuesday, officials provided updates on Tropical Storm Ernesto and explained that the USVI is under a Hurricane Watch. Storm-related closures were also announced.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen explained that Tropical Storm Ernesto has intensified, and the territory should prepare for a strong tropical cyclone weather event or possibly a Category 1 hurricane.
“The National Weather Service issued a Hurricane Watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Vieques, and Culebra, to anticipate [possible] rapid intensification over the next 12 hours to a potential Category 1 hurricane,” Jaschen explained.
“Where [the intensification is] going to happen on [the cyclone’s] path between St. Croix and St. Thomas, we don’t quite know. [However,] we want you to be aware of this and will provide updates as time [moves forward],” Jaschen said.
Jaschen noted that there will be heavy rain over an extended period as Ernesto passes across the islands.
“Once the rain starts, [from approximately] 6 p.m. [Tuesday] night until 6 p.m. Wednesday [night], we’re going to [receive] between six to eight inches of rain,” Jaschen explained. “That’s a lot of rain [occurring] over that period of time,” he said.
Jaschen reminded individuals that the rain may arrive in bands rather than happening simultaneously.
According to information from the NWS in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ernesto’s impacts will include heavy rain with thunder and lightning, gusty winds, flash flooding, mudslides, and hazardous marine conditions. Breaking waves could reach up to 17 feet across portions of the waters surrounding the islands.
Closures
Jaschen shared details of storm-related closures, including territory airports and seaports.
Airports
“Henry E. Rohlsen [Airport on St. Croix] is going to be closing at 2 p.m. [on Tuesday], and Cyril E. King [Airport on St. Thomas] is going to be closing at 4 p.m. [on Tuesday],” Jaschen revealed. “[Both airports] are anticipating opening [on Wednesday] at 10 a.m. subject to weather conditions,” he continued.
Seaports
“The seaports [across the USVI and Puerto Rico] will be closing at 6 p.m. [on Tuesday, under Port Condition Zulu],” Jaschen said. (Seaports across both U.S. territories had been placed in Port Condition Yankee early Tuesday morning.)
“Seaports in Port Condition Yankee are closed to all inbound commercial vessel traffic unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port,” according to a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday. “Ports under Port Condition Zulu are closed to all vessel traffic unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, while cargo operations are suspended, including bunkering and lightering. However, waivers may be granted unless certain hazardous and dangerous cargo is involved,” the update said.
Ferry Service
Ferry services between Red Hook, on St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay, on St. John, are also set to cease operations at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The last ferry departure from Cruz Bay will leave at 5 p.m., and the final ferry departing from Red Hook will sail at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Updates will be provided as soon as the ports are determined safe to reopen.
Schools and Government Offices
Bryan explained that all public schools will be closed on Wednesday.
“I can say unequivocally that there will be no public schools in operation [on Wednesday],” Bryan said.
The governor also noted that a decision regarding whether government personnel will be called to work on Wednesday will be announced by Wednesday morning.
“[In the morning], we will check the roads and see what [type] of state we’re in, and then we can make a decision about whether we are going to ask people to come out to work,” Bryan stated.
Special Assistance Available through Human Services Department
Jaschen also explained that emergency storm shelters are not anticipated to open. However, the territory is prepared to open them if deemed necessary. Nevertheless, Jaschen advised that individuals living in flood-prone areas should try to stay with relatives or friends in a safer location. He suggested that individuals with specific needs as the cyclone approaches can contact the Virgin Islands Human Services Department. The department can be reached between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (340) 715-6935.
For senior citizens who need assistance and are a part of the Senior Citizen Registry with DHS, a specific number can be utilized at 340-998-3571.
Residents and visitors can sign up for emergency weather alerts from VITEMA. The VITEMA offices on all three islands can also be reached by phone. The St. Croix office number is 340-773-2244, the St. Thomas office can be contacted at 340-774-2244, and the St. John phone number is 340-776-2224.
Stay Informed
Regardless of the cyclone’s intensity, the governor urged residents and visitors across the U.S. Virgin Islands to remain alert.
“We have got to be prepared for a strong tropical storm event here in the Virgin Islands,” Bryan declared. “Your government is prepared to respond to all eventualities,” he added.
USVI residents and visitors can find information regarding hurricane preparedness from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast and offers readers the opportunity to view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
