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A Tropical Storm Watch continues for Virgin Islands through Wednesday afternoon as Tropical Storm Emily resumes motion after standing still for a few hours today.
At 2 p.m. the center of Tropical Storm Emily was located near latitude 15.6 north longitude 64.8 west, about 140 miles due south of St. Croix, and moving westward at 12 miles per hour and packing maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour.
According to the National Weather Service, the core of Emily is expected to stay over the Caribbean coastal waters but outer rain-bands with embedded torrential downpours will continue to move onshore across St. Croix later this afternoon through tonight. These rain-bands will be capable of producing torrential downpours which could result in flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas.
The National Weather Service is projecting rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches with localized higher amounts are possible across the islands. Mudslides and debris flow are also possible in areas of steep terrain. As Tropical Storm Emily moves closer, the threat for sustained high winds is likely to increase with wind gusts of 35 to 50 miles per hour at times.
“We are not out of the woods as of yet,” VITEMA Director Elton Lewis said. “I encourage
everyone to continue to be vigilant until this storm has passed us. Be prepared and ready to act if necessary.”
VITEMA joins with the National Weather Service in advising citizens to stay inside and away from windows during the storm. Do not venture outside when high winds are occurring or during temporary lulls as flying debris can easily and suddenly cause serious injury.
Have a well-charged cell phone nearby, keeping network communications as open as possible for emergencies. Closely monitor NOAA weather radio and VI Alert, local radio and TV for official storm information and possible changes to the forecast.
For marine interests, a Tropical Storm Warning continues for all of the Virgin Islands coastal waters.
Rough and hazardous seas are expected mainly across the local Caribbean waters as Emily brings increasing winds and seas beginning from late this afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Seas are expected to peak early Wednesday morning before slowly subsiding through Friday.
The National Weather Service is advising small crafts who failed to make it to safe harbor or port and are now in distress, to radio your situation according to maritime protocol. If appropriate deploy your emergency distress beacon and ensure that everyone is wearing life jackets and survival suits if available.
VITEMA will provide updated weather information as it becomes available.
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