Hazardous Weather Alert: Dangerous Seas, Rip Currents, and Potential Flooding in USVI

The National Weather Service in San Juan has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the U.S. Virgin Islands, warning of dangerous marine conditions, isolated thunderstorms, and life-threatening rip currents starting today and continuing into the weekend. For Wednesday, March 19, forecasters are monitoring isolated thunderstorms, particularly over St. Croix’s regional waters. Residents and mariners are urged to remain alert and prepared to seek shelter if storms develop. Marine conditions are expected to be hazardous for small craft, with seas reaching 7 feet or higher, especially in the Atlantic Waters and the Anegada Passage. Small craft operators should exercise caution throughout local waters. Rip currents will pose life-threatening risks across north- and east-facing beaches of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. The strongest rip currents may develop near piers, jetties, and channels, making ocean conditions particularly dangerous for swimmers and beachgoers. A larger northwe...