Tropical Storm Erika

Issued By: VITEMA Affected Jurisdictions: St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island Counties

Headline: Tropical Storm Erika Forms, Forecasted to Reach USVI on Thursday; Public Advised to Prepare and Closely Monitor

The National Hurricane Center began issuing advisories for Tropical Storm Erika at 11 p.m. Monday. At 5 a.m., Tuesday, the center of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 14.6 degrees North, longitude degrees 49.4 West, about 840 miles east of the Leeward Islands.

Erika is moving toward the west near 20 miles per hour and a westward to west-northwestward motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours. Watches may be required for additional areas later today.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 miles per hour with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center.

USVI Forecast

On its current path and based on projections, the center of Tropical Storm Erika should make its closest point of approach to the Virgin Islands on Thursday at 6 p.m. when the storm center will be located about 25 miles to the north-northeast of St. John. At that time, Erika is forecasted to be a strong tropical storm with sustained winds of up to70 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service – Weather Forecast Office at San Juan. Most models continue to indicate a significant amount of tropical moisture over the local area with a good potential for significant rainfall over the region.

VITEMA and the National Weather Service in advising the public to begin taking preparedness steps and to closely monitor Tropical Storm Erika. Stay tuned to local radio and television, or a NOAA weather radio for weather updates and for more information and instructions from local government officials.

The one just leaving Africa looks positively monstrous right now!!

Thanks islandjoan,
So happy to hear there might be yet another one to watch!:-o (Not!)

The one just leaving Africa looks positively monstrous right now!!

Where can you see data on that one?

Thanks

Stormcarib.com has a radar image showing storms leaving Africa. From the homepage, click the radar image at the top and the next page has a series of radar images. Scroll down to the one that show Africa on the right. There is no data yet except maybe a discussion on the NHC page (I haven't checked to see if they are talking yet.

Sorry Alana!! This one is also concerning because the Sahara dust has been mostly cleared out by Danny and Erica which can be also seen on stormcarib. I hope wind shear gets it.

After Erika. NHC has no activity

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&fdays=5

Headline: Tropical Storm Warning Issued for the US Virgin Islands, Erika Projected to be Within 10 Miles of STT-STJ, 2-3 PM Thursday

The National Hurricane Center has placed the Virgin Islands under a Tropical Storm Warning as Erika continues moving toward the Leeward Islands. The warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

At 5 a.m. the center of Erika was located near 16.1 degrees North, 56 degrees West or about 604 miles southeast of St. Thomas. Erika's forward speed has slowed and the storm system is now on a westerly course at 18 miles per hour. A west to west-northwestward motion at a slightly slower forward speed is expected over the next two days.

Top winds are at 40 miles per hour with higher gusts. Some slow intensification is projected over the next 48 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center. Erika is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches across portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through Friday morning.

USVI Forecast

Erika is expected to make her closest point of approach to the territory on Thursday between 2 and 3 p.m. when the center of the storm will be within ten miles of St. Thomas and St. John and 30 miles of St. Croix. At that time, Erika is forecast to be a tropical storm with top winds of 50 miles per hour. Marine conditions will deteriorate by early Thursday morning and the first rain bands could reach the area on Thursday morning. Tropical Storm Erika is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with maximum amounts up to 8 inches across all the islands. Marine conditions expected: 10 to 12 feet with occasional seas up to 15 feet and winds between 35 and 40 knots with higher gusts mainly in squalls.

VITEMA and the National Weather Service are advising the public to make final preparations and to closely monitor the development of Tropical Storm Erika. Stay tuned to local radio and television for weather updates and for more information and instructions from local government officials. For more information about hurricane preparedness visit www.VITEMA.gov/huricanes, www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov, or call VITEMA at 340-773-2244, 340-774-2244 or 340-776-2244.

VI Peeps, pay attention.
Above statement says "up to 8 inches of rain".
Weather Underground predicts 6+ inches for both STT and STX.
Be prepared for flooding, power outages, etc.

According to a radio, the Gov. and Vitema to make an announcement sometime this morning regarding TS Erika.
Missed time of announcement. Will post if I hear it.

While it's only a TS, at present, its a big system with sustained 40mph winds so indeed, take it seriously. Glad it's fast moving.

We can count on Wapa going down. Dry branches dropping have resulted in power outages, without any wind.

The latest update is here and details can be found under "discussion" link.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/083850.shtml?5-daynl

Glad I can read and avoid the gloom and doom forum updates.:I think my tinfoil hat needs an adjustment though ... D

Glad too, OT!
Let me know if you need additional tinfoil.

http://virginislandsdailynews.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx?#_articlee2d0bd7f-8b89-4125-afc6-14eee4f2b6f4/waarticlee2d0bd7f-8b89-4125-afc6-14eee4f2b6f4/e2d0bd7f-8b89-4125-afc6-14eee4f2b6f4//true

Gov. Mapps/Vitema press conference scheduled in STX at 11:30 for those interested.

Headline: Shelters Open at 6 PM Today; STX-Herbert Grigg Home; STT-Knud Hansen Complex; STJ - Sprauve and Benjamin Schools

The Department of Human Services and the American Red Cross will open shelters territorywide at 6 p.m. today, at the following locations:

Herbert Grigg Home on St. Croix

Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas

Julius Sprauve School and Guy Benjamin Elementary School on St. John.

The American Red Cross asked that individuals and families seeking shelter bring the following items: Special foods for dietary needs for 24 to 72 hours

One complete change of clothing

Sleeping bag and pillow

Rain gear

Toiletries

Medications and first aid supplies

ID and other valuable documents

Games, cards and toys (for youngsters)

Battery-powered radio

Flashlight and radio

Games toys and reading material for children

Baby formula for infants

Individuals needing the service of a seeing eye-dog may have their service animals with them.

Pets are allowed at the shelters as long as they are caged and have a leash. Bring food, water, medication and litter for your pet.

If you live in a low-lying and flood-prone area, careful consideration should be given to seeking refuge at a shelter.

...This is an ACTUAL SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT ALERT...

Issued By: VITEMA Affected Jurisdictions: St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island Counties

Headline: Virgin Islands Government Closed on Thursday, Non-essential Government Employees Asked Not to Report for Work

Governor Kenneth Mapp is directing all government employees are to secure their work spaces at the close of business today. All non-essential government employees are asked not to report to work on Thursday.

An announcement will be made early on Friday on the resumption of government operations. Please stay tuned to local radio on Friday.

Headline: All Sea Ports to Close at Midnight Tonight; Commuters Traveling by Ferry Encouraged to do so as Soon as Possible

The US Coast Guard will close all sea ports to inbound and outbound traffic at midnight tonight.

St. Thomas-St. John ferry operators have not announced altered operating schedules, however, individuals traveling to and from St. Thomas and St. John by ferry are encouraged make plans to do so as soon as possible.

Storm Closures and Service Updates
BY SOURCE STAFF — AUGUST 26, 2015
Airports

There are no plans to close the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix or the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas Wednesday, according to V.I. Port Authority Director Carlton Dowe. VIPA will make an assessment and determine if the airports will be open Thursday. The Port Authority is in contact with the airlines and will report any flight cancellations it receives.

Airline

LIAT reported all flights to the territory scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled.

Seaports

The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that all seaports in the territory will be closed to all inbound commercial vessels effective 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Ferry service to Tortola, BVI will be provided from the Urman Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Ferry and barge service between St. Thomas and St. John will continue through midnight Wednesday.

The seaports will be closed to all vessels on Thursday, August 27 at 6 a.m. No ferry or barge services will be allowed. The US Coast Guard will determine when the seaports can be re-opened once the storm has passed, Dowe said.

Government Shutdown

Gov. Kenneth Mapp announced Wednesday that government operations will close Thursday and all non-essential employees are asked not to report to work. He asked that government employees monitor local radio stations on Friday morning for an announcement on whether the Government of the Virgin Islands will reopen for business on Friday.

“I’m also asking the private sector employers to advise non-essential that they do need to report to work,” he said. “This is a fast-moving storm and so we expect conditions to deteriorate rapidly.”

Curfew

A curfew was not planned to be implemented for Tropical Storm Erika, but Mapp asked that the public remain off the roads during the early morning hours on Friday to allow the Department of Public Works to complete clearing roadways of debris and for the VI Water and Power Authority to begin power restoration operations.

General Population Shelters & Pet Sheltering

The Department of Human Services and the American Red Cross will open shelters territorywide at 6 p.m. Wednesday, at the following locations:

– Herbert Grigg Home on St. Croix

– Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas

– Julius Sprauve School and Guy Benjamin Elementary School on St. John.

The American Red Cross asked that individuals and families seeking shelter bring the following items:

Special foods for dietary needs for 24 to 72 hours; one complete change of clothing; sleeping bag and pillow; rain gear; toiletries; medications and first aid supplies; ID and other valuable documents; games, reading material, cards and toys (for youngsters;) battery-powered radio; flashlight and radio; baby formula for infants.

Individuals needing the service of a seeing eye-dog may have their service animals with them.

Pet Sheltering

Pets are allowed at the shelters as long as they are caged and have a leash. Bring food, water, medication and litter for your pet.

Boaters

Boaters are encouraged to seek safe haven for their vessel.

St. Croix: Salt River

St. Thomas – St. John:

Mandahl Bay and Flamingo Bay are almost full but can accept small boats.

Benner Bay is full no longer accepting boats.

Hurricane Hole on St. John is under the Jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Boaters must coordinate with the NPS for assigned mooring locations by contacting the Chief Ranger of Protection.

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources us advising residents and visitors to stay away from beaches until the community receives an all-clear from DPNR.

For assistance, boaters can contact a DPNR representative at:
340-773-5774 or 340-244-9066 on St. Croix
340-714-9510 or 340-643-6001 on St. Thomas-St. John

Boaters are urged to not to attempt to ride the storm out on their vessel. Seek shelter on land.

Sandbag Distribution:

Sandbag distribution points will open until midafternoon Wednesday. To date the Department of Public Works has distributed approximately 10,000 sandbags across the Territory. The Department of Public Works now moves to a posture of readiness for recovery efforts for road debris removal and to address areas impact by heavy rains.

Sea Ports/Ferry

The U.S. Coast Guard will close all sea ports to inbound commercial traffic at 6 p.m. today and close all sea ports to inbound and outbound traffic at 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Ferry Operations – St. Thomas-St. John

Ferries will operate until midnight tonight, however, individual traveling to and from St. Thomas and St. John by ferry are encouraged make plans to do so as soon as possible.

Solid Waste & Sewer System:

Waste Management Authority Director May Adams Cornwall is advising that the Territory’s sewer collection system will likely experience a large inflow of storm water and debris, which may exceed the system capacity and block the sewer lines causing overflows in certain areas. The inflow and infiltration of storm water into the sewer system may also displace manhole covers and exceed the pumping capacity at wastewater pump stations.

Pedestrians and motorists are advised to proceed with caution when traversing flooded roadways, where manhole covers may have been displaced by system overflows. During this rain event until the rain and the storm water run-off subside, the sewer collection system may continue to be impacted.

Residents are asked to report any overflows and displaced manhole covers to the VIWMA at (340) 715-9100 on St. Thomas; (340) 712-4962 on St. Croix and (340) 774-2141 on St. John. The Report-A-Problem link on the Authority’s website, www.viwma.org, can also be used.

Bin and debris collection sites remain open for regular operation today but will close on Thursday.

Airports

All airports will close at 9 a.m. on Thursday to all inbound flights with the exception of the NOAA Hurricane Hunters conducting routine missions. The airports are scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. on Friday.

Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty reported that approximately 6,000 visitors are currently in the US Virgin Islands. The Tourism Department has activated its USVIUpdate.com website to keep visitors informed about Tropical Storm Erika and government response efforts.

The department is also working with hoteliers to ensure that visitors who are unable to fly out of the Territory or who unable to travel on to their final destination on Thursday, have accommodations.

WICO

To date the Adventures of the Seas and the Carnival Liberty, which are scheduled to call on St. Thomas on Friday and Saturday respectively, have not cancelled, according to WICO officials.

Forecast to cross on island as of now

https://www.facebook.com/NorthsideWeatherStation/posts/655947364541525

Why does it always have to be at night?

Novanut---so we won't notice when WAPA goes out!!

WAPA out here on East Scenic since around 7ish.

As of last 5PM weather report it was downgraded to minimal TS
still about 45 mph and no longer to anticipated have 60mph winds as it passes us but struggling, thanks to dry air and wind sheer intrusion.

I'm with you, Novanut, give me a good daytime storm any day!
As far as I know ETA, still mid-day -late afternoon.
Guess we'll see what tomorrow's reports bring.

They're still anticipating a rain maker so fingers crossed for rain, minimal winds. Be careful and hunker down. Rains can cause mud/rockslides, dangerous flood conditions.

https://m.facebook.com/hashtag/erika

Here's the latest from VITEMA that came in at 8:21PM.

Issued By: VITEMA Affected Jurisdictions: St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island Counties

Headline: All Airports Open Tomorrow Until Further Notice; Travlers Encouraged to Check with Airlines for Flight Status

Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe provided the public with an update regarding the US Virgin Islands’ airports and seaports as the agency prepares for the arrival of Tropical Storm Erika which is expected to affect the territory tomorrow.

AIRPORTS: There are no plans to close the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix or the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas today. VIPA will make an assessment and determine if the airports will be open tomorrow, August 27.

The Port Authority is in constant communication with the airlines and will report any flight cancellations it receives.

Reported Flight Cancellations LIAT, Ltd. Aug. 27th – all flights

SEAPORTS In the event of a storm, the US Coast Guard takes the lead in the closure and re-opening of the seaports. The US Coast Guard has determined that all seaports in the territory will be closed at 6 p.m. today to all inbound commercial vessels.

Ferry service to Tortola, BVI will be provided by Native Son from the E. W. Blyden Marine Terminal at 2:30 p.m. and from the Urman Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook at 3:30 p.m. Ferry and barge service between St. Thomas and St. John will continue through midnight today.

The seaports will be closed to all vessels on Thursday, August 27 at 6 a.m. No ferry or barge services will be allowed. The US Coast Guard will determine when the seaports can be re-opened once the storm has passed, Dowe said. The public is reminded to call the airlines, ferry and barge services directly for accurate schedule information.

The VI Port Authority will provide more information as it becomes available.

http://virginislandsdailynews.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx?#_article42fc315c-2703-4141-a089-8b5cbcbe0095/waarticle42fc315c-2703-4141-a089-8b5cbcbe0095/42fc315c-2703-4141-a089-8b5cbcbe0095//true

thanks for all the updates alana

You're welcome.

We may be on the north and east (strongest) side of storm as it passes this evening, 10 miles off STT/STJ.
Radio reports mentioned 7-8pm as beginning of strongest winds
that will impact islands. The darned thing slowed down to 16 mph so as Novanut noted, another nighttime storm. 🙁

Stay safe, everyone.

Headline: (CONTINUATION) Tropical Storm Warning issued August 27 at 8:31AM AST until further notice by NWS San Juan

...Tropical Storm Warning Remains In Effect...* Locations Affected- St Thomas St John And Adjacent Islands* Wind- Latest Local Forecast: Equivalent Tropical Storm Force Wind-

Peak Wind Forecast: 45-55 Mph With Gusts To 75 Mph-
Window For Tropical Storm Force Winds: Early This Afternoon
until Early Friday Morning-

Current Threat To Life And Property: Moderate- The Wind Threat Has Increased From The Previous Assessment.- Remain Braced Against The Reasonable Threat For Strongtropical Storm Force Wind Of 58 To 73 Mph.-

To Be Safe, Efforts Should Fully Focus On Protecting Life.
Properties Remain Subject To Significant Wind Impacts.- Now Is The Time To Hide From The Wind. Failure To adequately Shelter May Result In Serious Injury, Or In Somecases Loss Of Life. Remain Sheltered Until The Hazardous wind Subsides.- Potential Impacts: Still Unfolding- Potential Impacts From The Main Wind Event Are Stillunfolding.- The Extent Of Realized Impacts Will Depend On The Actualstrength, Duration, And Exposure Of The Wind As Experienced at Particular Locations.*

Storm Surge- Latest Local Forecast: Localized Storm Surge Possible- Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The Potential For Up To 1 Feetabove Ground Somewhere Within Surge Prone Areas-Window Of Concern: Through Early Friday Morning- Current Threat To Life And Property: Elevated- The Storm Surge Threat Has Remained Nearly Steady From Theprevious Assessment.-Emergency Considerations Should Posture For A Reasonablethreat For Peak Storm Surge Flooding Of 1 To 3 Feet Aboveground.- To Be Safe, Stay Away From Storm Surge Flooding Capable Oflimited Impacts.- Localized Inundation Is Possible. Continue To Follow Theinstructions Of Local Officials.- Potential Impacts: Still Unfolding-Potential Impacts From The Main Surge Event Are Stillunfolding.- The Extent Of Realized Impacts Will Depend On The Actualheight Of Storm Surge Moving Onshore And The Resultingdepth Of Coastal Flooding As Experienced At Particularlocations.* Flooding Rain- Latest Local Forecast:- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-5 Inches, With Locallyhigher Amounts- Current Threat To Life And Property: Elevated- The Flooding Rain Threat Has Remained Nearly Steady Fromthe Previous Assessment.- Emergency Considerations Should Include A Threat Offlooding.- Be Safe And Remain Ready To Protect Against Flooding Rainimpacts.- If Flood Related Watches And Warnings Are In Effect, Heedrecommended Actions.- Potential Impacts: Still Unfolding- Potential Impacts From Flooding Rain Are Still Unfolding.- The Extent Of Realized Impacts Will Depend On Actualrainfall Amounts As Received At Particular Locations.*

Tornado-Latest Local Forecast:- Situation Is Unfavorable For Tornadoes- Current Threat To Life And Property: None- The Tornado Threat Has Remained Nearly Steady From Theprevious Assessment.- Emergency Considerations Need Not Include A Threat Fortornadoes. Showers And Thunderstorms With Strong Gustywinds May Still Occur.- Little To No Preparations Needed To Guard Against Tropicaltornadoes.- Ensure Readiness For The Next Tropical Tornado Event.-Potential Impacts: Still Unfolding- Potential Impacts From Tropical Tornadoes Are Stillunfolding.- The Extent Of Realized Impacts Will Depend On The Severityof Actual Tornado Occurrence As Experienced At Particularlocations.* For More Information:- Http://Www.Srh.Noaa.Gov/Sju/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.weather.gov ("http://www.weather.gov/")

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Staying just south of STT/STJ means wind for them. More rain for STX. I hope we get some rain. Yesterday's forecast was 5"' today I saw 1-3