Flooding in Port Purcell, Tortola, after Hurricane Dorian passed over the Virgin Islands on the afternoon of August 28, 2019. Photo: Team of Reporters

Damage sustained to the roof of the Stop Mall owned by Patsy C. Lake as a result of Hurricane Dorian. Photo: Team of Reporters

As of 16:45hrs on August 28, 2019, the territory is now in the clear as Dorian moves out to the open Atlantic. The DDM says that warnings for hazardous sea conditions remain in effect until further notice. Photo: Team of Reporters

A flooded ghut in Road Town, Tortola. Photo: Team of Reporters

Cane Garden Bay left in a discoloured state by Tropical Storm Dorian. Photo: VINO

With the center of Tropical Storm Dorian now located near latitude 17.5 North, longitude 64.5 West, the territory is now on hurricane watch as the storm moves toward the northwest near 13 mph, and is expected move near the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Virgin Islands (VI) and then continue over the open Atlantic well east of the southeastern Bahamas. Photo: DDM

Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement alerted residents, 'We are now under a hurricane warning and a curfew will be put in place beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow.' GIS/File

In earlier statements, Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert had assured the territory that the Government has been working hard to do its part to be ready for Dorian and other storms. He said the territory’s 27 emergency shelters have been inspected and are standing by in case they are needed. Photo: GIS

The latest update from the Virgin Islands (VI) Department of Disaster Management (DDM) this afternoon warns that although storm conditions have subsided, they remain hazardous.  

Flash Flood warning in effect

“The center of Hurricane Dorian has now passed the territory; however, the outer bands will continue to affect the Territory until at least midnight, 28 August 2019.”

The DDM says that as a result of forecasted conditions, a flash flood warning and warnings for hazardous sea conditions remain in effect for the VI until further notice. 

According to the DDM, The National Emergency Operations Centre's (NEOC) NEOC will provide an update in the evening.

Curfew still active

According to the DDM, “Please be reminded that the Territory is under a curfew until 6 am on 29 August 2019.”

The Department reminded that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is prepared to fully enforce the law, as necessary.

See previous story published today, August 28, 2019

VI on Hurricane watch as Dorian moves closer

-Curfew now in place from 2:00pm until 6:00am Thursday Aug 29, 2019

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – With the center of Tropical Storm Dorian now located near latitude 17.5 North, longitude 64.5 West, the territory is now on hurricane watch as the storm moves toward the northwest near 13 mph, and is expected move near the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Virgin Islands (VI) and then continue over the open Atlantic well east of the southeastern Bahamas.

Darian strengthens

According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), “Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph with higher gusts.  Dorian is forecast to become a hurricane later today and continue strengthening during the next few days over the Atlantic waters.  Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles primarily to the east of the center.

The department said an Air Force plane estimated a minimum central pressure of 999 MB. They further noted that the Virgin Islands can experience hurricane-force winds through tomorrow morning, Thursday, August 29, 2019.

“Rainfall estimates in the range of 4 – 6 inches with isolated amounts of 10 inches are possible in some areas. Seas,1 to 3.1meters or 7 to 10 feet; Warnings are in effect for hazardous marine conditions and small craft operators are advised to remain in port.”

The DDM encouraged citizens to Keep monitoring the system as it progresses further eastward for any change in its path and intensity. “Review your family plans and check for items you may need, check your homes, shutters, drainage paths or specific areas. This is will avoid trying to do and remember certain activities at last minute,” the said.

Curfew now in place – Premier Fahie

Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement alerted residents, “We are now under a hurricane warning and a curfew will be put in place beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow.”

In the statement released by the DDM, he said, “This means that only emergency responders and those providing essential services would be permitted on the road at this time and I pray that God continues to keep them safe as they keep us safe. We ask for the public’s full cooperation during this time.”

Hon Fahie noted that around 2:00 p.m, the center of Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to pass the Virgin Islands about 60 miles to the south, “As Government Offices are closed, I join with the Governor to encourage the business community and residents to remain off the roads for your own safety. If you are going to make any final preparations at this time, please exercise caution and be safe,” he said.

Further, the premier thanked the team at the NEOC for constant updates as well as emergency responders for doing their part to ensure our Territory’s state of readiness as the storm passes by.

In earlier statements, Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert had assured the territory “that the Government has been working hard to do its part to be ready for Dorian and other storms. The territory’s 27 emergency shelters have been inspected and are standing by in case they are needed.”