Seaport operations at the Crown Bay Cargo Port in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
In the wake of Hurricane Tammy's trajectory through the Caribbean, the U.S. Coast Guard, collaborating closely with the V.I. Port Authority, has officially reopened the U.S. Virgin Islands’ seaports.
The storm, which maintained a north-northwesterly track well to the east of the local islands, progressed far beyond Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, sparing the territory from its direct impact. Consequently, all marine operations across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix have returned to their regular schedules.
Both the Cyril E. King Airport and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport remain operational and free of disruptions. As the islands continue to feel the indirect effects of Hurricane Tammy, travelers are advised to directly contact their respective airlines for potential flight-related inquiries.
Hurricane Tammy's Current Impact on the Region:
Despite the storm's distance from the islands, its extensive moisture field, inclusive of the outer and feeding bands, will remain prevalent over the local waters and islands at least until Tuesday. Swells produced by Tammy are expected to create potentially hazardous marine and surf zone conditions.
Potential Threats Include:
-
Rains: There's an anticipated storm total rainfall between 1-2 inches, possibly reaching isolated higher amounts of up to 4 inches. This is likely to result from scattered to numerous showers accompanied by isolated to scattered thunderstorms. Such rain patterns might lead to isolated flash and urban flooding, with the risk of isolated mudslides in terrains of higher elevation. Rivers, usually dry arroyos, and streams might experience rapid water level increases.
-
Swells: Marine conditions are predicted to be challenging due to the swells generated by Hurricane Tammy. Small crafts are warned of seas rising up to 10 feet, with occasional surges reaching up to 13 feet, especially across the Atlantic waters and Anegada Passage. These swells are expected to increase the risks of strong surf and life-threatening rip currents predominantly along north- and east-facing beaches.
-
Winds: Winds, particularly within the storm's outer bands and during intense thunderstorms, may register brief gusty episodes ranging from 25-30 mph or slightly higher. Squally wind conditions might also be observed over the Atlantic waters and Anegada passage.
Advertisements
