British Virgin Islands

Prev    Next Emergency response agencies make storm preparations in BVI Published on Thursday, September 3, 2009 Email To Friend    Print Version TORTOLA, BVI -- The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office has indicated that a Tropical Storm Warning may be required for the British Virgin Islands on Thursday. A Tropical Storm Watch is currently in effect for the Virgin Islands. This means that Tropical Storm conditions are possible in the area within 36 hours. Tropical Storm Erika is poorly organized, but this could change on Thursday. The storm is expected to turn west-northwestern later on Wednesday night or Thursday. Emergency Responders spent Wednesday making preparations for a possible impact. The Department of Disaster Management consulted with several key Departments to determine their level of preparedness. The VI Shipping Registry conducted a pre-incident inspection to assess the current status of vessels within the Virgin Islands’ waters. The owners of several vessels were informed of the possible arrival of inclement weather, asked to take precautions, and move to sheltered locations. The owners of smaller vessels were also briefed. This report from the Shipping Registry indicated that, although most large vessels appear equipped to ride out the weather, some of them needed to be more securely affixed to moorings, or moved to more secure anchorages. The Shipping Registry was particularly concerned about vessels in the Baughers Bay area, and was working diligently to make contact with owners to have those vessels secured. The BVI Airports Authority stated that the TB Lettsome International Airport will remain open Wednesday night until American Airlines’ final scheduled 9:22pm arrival. The Authority will monitor the progress of Erika overnight, and determine the need for airport closures on Thursday. Persons with travel plans should contact their airline for schedule updates. Closures of sea ports will depend on Thursday's sea conditions. Director Kerof of the Water and Sewerage Department indicated that he notified staff members and they would be monitoring the weather, remaining ready to respond, in accordance with their Plan. Similar sentiments were expressed by the Transmission and Distribution Engineer Henry Creque of the BVI Electricity Corporation. He said that the Corporation, as a protective measure for the electrical network, shuts off power when winds reach 50mph; however, they do not anticipate winds of that velocity. In the event that Erika strengthens, the Corporation will proceed in accordance with their Disaster Management Plan and protect the portions of their infrastructure that are at the greatest risk. Acting Director of Public Works, Dr Drexel Glasgow, indicated that inspections of the road network and major ghuts were done to determine potential problem areas, and would be re-addressed early Thursday morning. The National Parks Trust is advising the public that, in light of the Small Craft Advisory, marine staff would not patrol the Marine Parks, and persons should refrain from using moorings in these areas for their own safety. Possible closure of land-based parks will be determined on Thursday. The staff of the BVI Tourist Board worked throughout the day Wednesday to keep mariners, hoteliers and their patrons informed of the progress of Tropical Strom Erika. District Officers on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke were contacted and updated on the latest weather developments. DDM Volunteers were also given information on Tropical Storm Erika, and asked to stand by.   Reads : 775   Prev    Next

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