Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant, at Home Until Storm Passes
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The National Weather Service in Puerto Rico has upgraded the tropical storm watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Vieques, and Culebra to a hurricane watch. This change, made at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, indicates that Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to intensify, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Consequently, the storm will likely strengthen over the next 24 hours.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Winds will intensify, moving west/northwest at about 18 mph.
- Expect 6 to 8 inches of rain.
- Watch out for flood-prone areas.
- Prepare for lightning and thunder showers.
All non-essential government employees were granted leave at noon on Tuesday, and are expected to report by noon on Wednesday.
Additionally:
- Public schools in St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix will stay closed on Wednesday, August 14
- Both airports, Henry E. Rohlsen and Cyril E. King closed early on Tuesday and will reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
- The Cruz Bay to Red Hook ferry operated hourly until the last departures at 5 p.m. from Cruz Bay and 5:30 p.m. from Red Hook
- Peter’s Rest and Mandahl Convenience Centers closed at 5 p.m.
Shelters will not be in operation.
For information and assistance, residents are urged to visit vitema.vi.gov, vi.gov and to sign up for AlertVI.
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