ST. CROIX — Virgin Islanders are urged to prepare as Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthens and is expected to reach the territory by this evening, bringing the potential for moderate flooding rain, minor coastal flooding, and tropical storm-force winds between 50 mph and 73 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
As the tropical storm approaches the territory moving west northwest at 18 mph with sustained winds around 60 mph, it is forecast to remain at tropical storm force as it affects the region, according to the most recent NWS update issued prior to publication at 5 p.m. when the storm was 65 miles east southeast of St. Thomas.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Virgin Islands, Vieques, and Culebra. A flash flood watch remains in effect for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through Thursday morning.
Cecille Villanueva-Birriel, an NWS meteorologist out of the office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, said there is not a high probability that the Virgin Islands will experience hurricane-force winds. She said, however, a hurricane watch is in effect for the territory because the storm system is strengthening as it approaches.
“The system is expected to strengthen [into] a hurricane when it’s north of Puerto Rico, but because of the signs of strengthening, we cannot rule out that you’re going to see an increase of wind,” she said. “In St. Croix, not so much but maybe for the northern USVI for St. Thomas, particularly.”
Daryl Jaschen, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency director, explained how Virgin Islanders throughout the territory could be affected by the tropical storm-force winds while providing an update during a press briefing this afternoon at Government House on St. Croix. He pointed out the winds extend out 105 miles.
“So, no matter if you’re on St. Croix, St. Thomas, or St. John, or Water Island, you’re going to be impacted by these winds,” he said, adding that they are going to be sustained winds.
The storm is forecast to bring to the territory 4 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts. About 1 to 3 feet above ground level of coastal flooding is associated with the swell from Tropical Storm Ernesto. There is the potential for dangerous marine conditions and life-threatening rip currents.
Jaschen said the rain forecast for the territory is one of the “big concerns,” noting it is expected to fall within a 24-hour period beginning today.
“Part of being prepared is watching out for those flood-prone areas,” he said.
The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources is advising the public that given the forecasts of heavy rain and potential flooding to refrain from using the coastal waters territory wide until further notification. There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in stormwater-impacted areas because of increased concentrations of bacteria. Stormwater runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health, so areas of stormwater runoff such as guts, puddles, and drainage basins should be avoided.
DPNR also advises all contractors, developers, and home builders to immediately maintain and implement additional erosion and sediment control practices at all areas where property is cleared, graded, filled, or otherwise disturbed.
DPNR issued hurricane preparation guidelines for boaters, advising use of the three-point mooring system. The boat safe havens are at Salt River on St. Croix, and at Benner Bay, Mandahl Pond, and Flamingo Bay in the St. Thomas/St. John District. Hurricane Hole is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, so boaters must coordinate with NPS on St. John for an assigned mooring location. Boaters should not remain on their vessels during a storm.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages people in the storm’s path to prepare for power outages, use generators safely, have a plan, stay safe during flooding, be ready to evacuate, and keep important documents safe. FEMA also urges individuals to keep food safe during a power outage, noting that a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours. Food should be thrown out if it reaches a temperature of 40 degrees or higher.
“We want to remind everyone in our communities that taking all necessary steps and having emergency plans in place is critical at this time,” FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Warrington said in a statement. “Prepare your family, property and don’t forget your pets. Connect with your community and discuss with your neighbors how you can help each other before and after a disaster. Sharing information and joining efforts can ease the recovery process. It is time to be ready.”
The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services will not open any congregate shelters for this weather event, according to Government House. The best option is to shelter in place. Residents who live in areas prone to flooding are urged to stay with neighbors or friends who are on higher ground.
VITEMA does not anticipate Governor Albert Bryan Jr. invoking any curfews associated with the passing tropical storm. Individuals are reminded not to attempt to cross any flooded areas in a vehicle or on foot because it only takes a few inches of water to float a vehicle.
The Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix closed at 2 p.m. today, while the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas closed at 4 p.m., Jaschen said. He said it is anticipated that both airports will reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday. He said the seaport on St. Thomas that accommodates the Red Hook ferry will close at 6 p.m. today, adding that a conversation will be had with the U.S. Coast Guard to determine when the seaport will reopen.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education, which closed schools today, announced the continued closure of all public schools on Wednesday due to the tropical storm. Non-essential faculty and staff are advised not to report to their respective school campuses on Wednesday. Essential school staff and workers such as principals, assistant principals, custodians, maintenance workers, and laborers should remain alert for further announcements regarding the assessment of school campuses.
Additional information is available online at ready.gov (listo.gov in Spanish), or by calling VITEMA at 340-773-2244 on St. Croix, 340-774-2244 on St. Thomas, or 340-776-2244 on St. John. Anyone with a specific need through DHS is urged to call 340-715-6935 for assistance during normal office hours. Senior citizens included on the DHS senior registry who need assistance can call 340-998-3571. Individuals can sign up for weather alerts via Alert VI from the VITEMA website at vitema.vi.gov.
