U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. conducted the weekly briefing on Monday from Government House on St. Thomas. He was joined by VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, who provided an update on the approach of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which is expected to impact the Territory with heavy rain and winds beginning Tuesday night into Wednesday.
In his remarks, Governor Bryan said Virgin Islanders should anticipate heavy rains, tropical storm force winds and the potential for flooding, especially in areas prone to such conditions.
“We will let you know by tomorrow what will be open and what will be closed,” Governor Bryan said, adding that everyone should take the steps necessary to secure their homes and ensure that sufficient supplies are in hand.
“Don’t sleep on this,” Governor Bryan said. “Please make sure that you’re prepared. Start securing your premises and your property.”
Director Jaschen said that based on an 11 a.m. update from the National Weather Service, a tropical storm warning is in effect. Tropical storm force winds, between 39 – 57 mph, are forecast to begin Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning.
“There is quite a bit of uncertainty with this storm and its projected path,” he said. In addition to wind, rain will also be a factor. Both St. Croix and St. Thomas / St. John districts should be prepared to receive between 6 – 8 inches of rain over the 24-hour period Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. Some of the rain will include thunder, lightning, strong winds, and a possible tornado and the rain will come in bands, which may be intense at times.
Jaschen said Hurricane Hunter aircraft conducted reconnaissance missions into Tropical Storm Ernesto and future forecast and analysis will include the results of their mission. He said the FEMA Region 2 Incident Management Assessment Team arrived this past weekend and is in place to support the Territory, if needed.
The US Coast Guard has begun meeting with key agencies in the Territory to discuss the changes in port conditions based on any degrading marine conditions. At this time, the US Coast Guard has not identified any specific date and time for the port to close, to include the ferry running between St. Thomas and St. John.
Based on a meeting Monday morning with the Emergency Management Council, Jaschen provided the following information:
1. Sand and sandbags are self-help from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Fire Stations on St Thomas (Hotel Company), St. Croix (Grove Place, Cotton Valley), and St John (Cruz Bay).
2. The Department of Human Services will not open any congregate shelters for this weather event. Anyone with a specific need, please call 340-715-6935 for assistance during normal office hours. The best option is to shelter in place, or if you are in an area prone to flooding, go to neighbors or friends who are on higher ground. Make your plans now and go early before the flooding begins.
3. The Department of Education has been monitoring the storm development and will be sending out school cancellation notices based on further information, but at this point has not cancelled any school or school events.
4. VITEMA does not anticipate Governor Bryan invoking any curfews associated with the passing of this storm. Do not attempt to cross and flooded areas in your car or on foot. It only takes a few inches of water to float a vehicle.
5. If you need more information, please contact VITEMA. On St. Thomas call 340 774-2244, on St. Croix call 340-773-2244, and on St John call 340-776-2244. VITEMA does not have any blue tarps to provide, at this time. Only after a disaster declaration are tarps available and they arrive through coordination with FEMA.
6. For construction contractors who are out in the elements, please monitor the weather, and take precautions to protect yourselves and your equipment.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery pro-jects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit vi.gov for more information.
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