In this NASA handout, Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm at the time of this photograph, is pictured in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Yucatan Peninsula on October 8, 2024 seen from the International Space Station as it orbited 257 miles above. This year's hurricane season was above average. Photo: NASA/Getty Images

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ended on November 30, 2024. With 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes with five major hurricanes causing damage around the Atlantic and Caribbean; 2024 was the ninth consecutive above average hurricane season. Photo: GIS

Some of the effects and damages of rainfall in the Virgin Islands on November 10-11, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters

Director of Disaster Management Mr Jasen H. Penn said that the destructive power of hurricanes means residents should remain prepared all year long.

“It is vital that all of us in the Virgin Islands stay vigilant at the end of a record breaking season,” Mr Penn said. “This year we saw the earliest formation of a Category 5 storm, Hurricane Beryl; and in late September seven storms formed, which is a record for activity late in the season,” Mr Penn stated in a press release.

He went on to say that some of the most destructive impacts, came not from hurricanes but from tropical storms, such as Sara in Central America.

VI impacted

This season brought one tropical storm impact to the Virgin Islands, TS Ernesto in August, which caused widespread power outages, and other damages including downed trees and utility poles. Although not related to any particular tropical system, the Territory also experienced flooding on May 7-8; June 5-6; and November 10-11.

Mr Penn expressed gratitude for the Virgin Islands continued vigilance when it comes to hazard preparedness.

“This year we saw communities come together to receive training to become better prepared on all four major islands, and many of our private sector partners join us for emergency drills, hazard education sessions, or creating business disaster and continuity plans,” Mr Penn said, adding that he hopes these efforts will continue.