The National Hurricane Center in its 5:00 a.m. forecast has issued a hurricane watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands, as Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to be near hurricane strength when it impacts the territory, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands later today.
Hurricane Watch in effect for:
- Puerto Rico
- Vieques
- Culebra
- U.S. Virgin Islands
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within 24 hours.
The USVI -- along with Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to Samana -- remain under a tropical storm warning.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 24 hours.
Tropical Storm Wind Speed Preliminary Probabilities (National Hurricane Center)
Discussion and outlook, according to N.H.C.
According other National Hurricane Center's 5:00 a.m. advisory, the center of Tropical Storm Dorian was located near latitude 16.8 North, longitude 63.9 West. Dorian is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue during the next few days. On the forecast track, the center of Dorian will pass over or near the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico later today. Dorian is then forecast to move to the east of the Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas on Thursday, and near or to the east of the central and northwestern Bahamas on Friday and Saturday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected today, and Dorian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Although weakening is possible after Dorian moves across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the storm is forecast to strengthen late this week and this weekend while passing near or to the east of the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb (29.62 inches).
Rainfall
Dorian is expected to bring 4 to 6 inches of rainfall to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Southern and Eastern Puerto Rico.
Wind
Tropical storm conditions are expected and hurricane conditions are possible in Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands today. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the British Virgin Islands today. Tropical storm conditions are possible in portions of the Dominican Republic tonight and Thursday.
Surf
Swells generated by Dorian are gradually subsiding in the Lesser Antilles. Swells are expected to increase later this morning across the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and along the southern coasts of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, and they could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
Shelter
During a joint phone conference with VITEMA and Governor Albert Bryan at 7:45 Tuesday night, VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen announced that an evacuation shelter at the Head Start facility in Mars Hill, Frederiksted (located behind Claude O. Markoe School), would be open from 9:00 p.m. Tuesday.
The Mars Hill evacuation shelter site will provide a safe place to stay amid Dorian’s winds and rains, but it is not designated for a long-term stay, VITEMA said in a release. It is always recommended that residents stay with neighbors, family or friends in a safe place, but this shelter provides a place for people with no other options, VITEMA said.
The Department of Human Services advised residents to bring items to the evacuation shelter that could keep them comfortable for a short-term stay. Below are a few things residents should pack in their go-bags for the evacuation shelter:
- Chairs
- Snacks, nonperishable canned or packaged food.
- Medications, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, dentures, any medical equipment
- Two extra changes of clothes and footwear
- Pillows/cots/blankets/sleeping bags
- Toiletries – sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary items.
- Important papers – ID, proof of residency and insurance papers.
- Cash in case your debit or credit card is not working.
- Entertaining items – books, magazines, puzzles, games, toys for children
- Baby food and diapers if you have young children
- Miscellaneous items such as a battery-powered radio, earbuds, flashlight, and cellphone charger.
The Mars Hill shelter is not designed for a long-term stay and St. Croix residents are urged to bring the above items to the site for their comfort, VITEMA said.
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach urging residents to be prepared
“As we approach September, the most active month of the hurricane season for the Virgin Islands, I encourage residents to stay vigilant and not delay preparations,” Mr. Roach said in his capacity of commissioner of insurance.
He also encouraged residents who have insurance to review their policy.
“Whether you have a mortgage or own your home, homeowners should have insurance and understand what is covered by the policy. An annual review of the policy is important. Be sure to contact your insurance agent directly to discuss any need for additional coverage,” he said.
In order to be prepared before a hurricane, the following actions should be taken by property owners, according to Mr. Roach:
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