St. John Now Under Hurricane Watch

Update: All ports will close at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

As of 11 a.m. this morning, the US Virgin Islands is now under a Hurricane Watch. According to the National Hurricane Center, “a Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.”

Here are the “Key Messages” from the 11 a.m. advisory:

1. Irma is expected to affect the northeastern Leeward Islands as a dangerous major hurricane, accompanied by life-threatening wind, storm surge, and rainfall impacts, along with rough surf and rip currents. Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the Leeward Islands. Preparations should be rushed to completion, as tropical-storm force winds are expected to first arrive in the hurricane warning area by late Tuesday.

2. Irma could directly affect the British and U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as a dangerous major hurricane later this week. Hurricane watches have been issued for these areas, and tropical- storm-force winds could arrive in these areas by early Wednesday.

Here is when we can expect to feel the effects of Hurricane Irma:

I was just on a call with the disaster relief operations. They are looking for volunteers. Most importantly, they are looking for people will to volunteer in shelters and help with feeding. If you are willing and able, please email [email protected]. Please send him the following information: 

• You name
• Phone and email
• Whether or not you are a current volunteer or whether you are interested in volunteering
• What position are you able to volunteer for
• Are you willing to work in a shelter

Stay safe St. John.