• Present Situation
o Weather stations recorded that 10.2 inches of rain fell yesterday and 5.99 inches thus far today with reported sustained winds of 35mph and wind gust of 42 mph. More rain is expected tonight and into tomorrow. A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for the Virgin Islands until 8p.m this evening. Although the heaviest rain may end by Thursday night, scattered showers can still be expected into Saturday morning. Flooding will continue to remain the greatest hazard from this weather system. This strongest squalls could bring wind gust in the rains of 35-45mph across the islands
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o Therefore decided to proclaim a state of emergency in the Territory. I will also be making an Order declaring three specific disaster areas: Capoons’ Bay, Pockwood Pond and Prospect Reef, to enable Public Works to go into these areas and carry out any necessary works.
• We held a meeting of the National Emergency Operations Centre at 12:00 noon today to discuss the conditions within the Territory and to plan for the response activities that are required.
• Essential Services Reports indicated that:
o ROADS- Carrot Bay, Ballast Bay, Cane Garden Bay remain impassable and many other roads have some form of obstruction. Hillsides are unstable and may pose additional hazards to drivers.
o Electric Supply – Electricity has been restored to the majority of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Great Camanoe with the exception of isolated areas on those islands. Power has not yet been restored to the island of Jost Van Dyke but crews are currently on the island assessing the damage and making repairs so that power can be resorted as quickly as possible. The general public is encouraged to stay safe by avoiding areas of downed power lines and to call BVIEC offices to report any issues or interruptions to the power supply.
o Water Supply – Baugher’s Bay Plant has sustained significant damage and will be offline until further notice. Following areas will be out of water Brandywine Bay to Road Town including Huntum’s Ghut, Horse Path, Purcell Estate, and areas along the Ridge Road. There are some eroded/exposed pipelines in Sea Cows Bay and Capoons Bay… residents are asked to use water supply sparingly.
o Sister Islands
On Virgin Gorda, all roads are clear. There are some reports of minor damage to roads in North Sound.
Anegada has reported that there is no significant flooding just heavy rains and winds.
Jost Van Dyke has reported that there is some flooding on the island; residents have begun clearing debris off roads. Power supply has been off since 12noon yesterday and is expected to return later today. Issues have been reported in regards to telephone lines being down. The DDM is currently trying to contact communications providers to obtain a report on their systems.
• Shelters are being prepared to receive persons and is expected to be open by 6p.m. this evening. These shelters are:
Agape Total Life Centre
Month Carmel Baptist Church
Road Town Methodist Church Hall
Long Trench Community Centre
Persons wishing to use these shelters will need to make a decision now before any further rain fall events impact the Territory. Please remember to walk with a 24 hour supply of food, all required medication, and change of clothing and personal items.
• Residents are asked to stay off the roads to allow the Public Works and the utility companies to clear roadways. Persons are reminded that they should not be cleaning flooding areas without proper protective foot and hand wear.
• Government Offices and Public Schools are officially closed today and further information will be communicated as to when they will reopen. Please continue to listen to the local radio and television station for further updates.
