The sun may be shining now, but some pretty bad weather is on the horizon. Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to affect St. John and the surrounding islands later this evening and into tomorrow. Winds of 39 miles per hour and greater are expected to affect the island beginning around 10 p.m. tonight and through mid-morning Tuesday as Tropical Storm Gonzalo tracks to the northeast of the island. As of 11 a.m. Monday, maximum sustained winds were at 65 miles per hour.
A flash flood watch is in effect from 5 p.m. this evening through 6 p.m. Tuesday. Four to eight inches of rain are expected with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches are possible. The rain will continue through Tuesday night.
The ports were just set to YANKEE status, which means that the ports in the USVI are open to outbound vessel traffic only, while commercial inbound vessels are restricted from entering the port. Passenger ferry service will continue through 5 p.m. Monday night. Boyson Inc’s final barge run is set for 2:30 p.m. from St. John and 3:30 p.m. from St. Thomas. Island Vic will make its final barge run at 4:30 p.m. from St. John and 5 p.m. from St. Thomas.
Power outages are likely, so stock up on water, ice, food etc. For those of you visiting the island, no power means no water.
For those of you who plan on hunkering down at home, in your villa, condo, etc., go out and grab a St. Johnopoly game now. You’ll thank us later. 🙂 St. Johnopoly is available on island at St. John Beach Bum, The Beach Bar, Woody’s and St. John Brewers’ Brewtique.
Please send us your storm and storm party pics and videos. We’re curious to see what’s happening on all parts of the island. Please send your pics and videos to [email protected]
Stay dry and stay safe everyone.
2:30 p.m. update. All ports will close at 5 p.m.
Love a good storm! Long as no major damage. To all you on vacation sun is fun, but Mother Nature is a force! Enjoy the beauty in what you can’t control and be safe!!