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The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is continuing to closely monitor the large tropical wave, currently located about 650 miles east of the northern Winward Islands. The weather system is expected to develop into a tropical depression sometime today.
According to the National Hurricane Center, satellite images and NOAA buoy data indicate that the tropical wave continues to become better organized, and it could develop into a tropical depression at any time. This system has a high chance, near 100 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 24 to 48 hours as it moves west-northwestward near 15 miles per hour. Hurricane Hunters, an Air Force reserve unit reconnaissance aircraft, is scheduled to investigate this disturbance later this afternoon.
VITEMA has placed its Emergency Operations Centers on high alert, as it continues to monitor the system’s development. The public is urged to also closely monitor this system, to stay informed and to make sure they are prepared in the event a storm impacts the Territory.
“Individuals, families and businesses should be closely monitoring local radio and television for updated information on this weather system, and making sure they are ready in the event a storm impacts the Territory,” Lewis said. “Everyone should have an emergency plan for staying in contact with family in the event of a disaster and an emergency supply kit with essential items to last for a minimum of three days. Businesses also should be reviewing their emergency plans.”
Listen
to Director Lewis' Preparedness Message .mp3 (315KB)
For more preparedness information visit
our Hurricane
Preparedness Section.
Residents are also encouraged to sign
up for VI-ALERT to receive the latest
weather-related alerts and warnings via email, phone or
text.
VITEMA will continue to keep the public informed of this developing system. Stay tuned to local radio, TV, NOAA weather radio and VI Alert for updated information, watches and warnings.
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