The centre of Hurricane Tammy has moved past the [British] Virgin Islands and Tropical Storm Warnings have been discontinued; however, the territory has been asked to monitor the system’s long tail of shower activity. Photo: Zoom Earth

Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, in a statement today, October 21, 2023, has announced that the VI remains under a Tropical Storm Watch over Hurricane Tammy which means tropical storm conditions such as showers and winds in excess of 39 miles per hour are possible within the Territory and therefore, persons must take precaution. Photo: NHC

Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley asked that residents put their storm plans into action and ensure family family and property is safe. Photo: VINO/File

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 11:00 AM on Sunday, October 22, 2023, the center of Hurricane Tammy was located near latitude 19.1 North, longitude 63.0 West.

It said Tammy is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h) and this general motion is expected today. A turn toward the north is expected tonight, followed by a north-northeast or northeast motion on Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next few days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).

Both Governor John J. Rankin, CMG and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) have since issued statements and have also asked the VI to continue to monitor shower activity due to Tammy.

Gov Rankin commends VI’s preparation

“We will continue to watch Hurricane Tammy’s progress, as forecasters tell us the system has a long tail of shower activity behind it. This means that thunderstorms associated with Tammy could continue off and on throughout the coming week. Rough seas may also continue, and we remain under a small craft advisory,” Governor Rankin stated.

The Governor also commended the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands for doing all that was possible to be ready for Hurricane Tammy.

“When we work hard to prepare, then the threat does not materialse, it can be tempting to view our efforts as wasted. In fact, we build our resilience each time we carry out these actions. We gain experience and learn how to make the process more effective. It is an excellent investment in our community and ourselves.”

‘We thank God for His mercies’- Premier Wheatley

Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley said Hurricane Tammy did not strengthen or shift toward us as we feared, which is a blessing and “we thank God for His mercies.”

Dr Wheatley said while the centre of the storm has passed, the danger may not have.

“Feeder bands far from the centre of Hurricane Tammy may bring disturbed weather to the Virgin Islands throughout this week. The Department of Disaster Management continues to watch conditions closely, and I urge you to do the same.”

The Premier asked the territory to join him in prayers for a speedy recovery “to those of our Caribbean neighbours who were hit hard by Hurricane Tammy. In particular, those on the island of Barbuda saw wind gusts of 110 miles per hour.”

See previous article published October 21, 2023

VI under TS Watch for Hurricane Tammy- Premier Wheatley

Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R1) in a statement today, October 21, 2023, has announced that the VI remains under a Tropical Storm Watch over Hurricane Tammy which means tropical storm conditions such as showers and winds in excess of 39 miles per hour are possible and as such, persons must take precaution. 

“Now is the time to put your storm plans into action and ensure that your family and property can be safe from what forecasters tell us may begin as early as tonight and continue into tomorrow: Rainfall amounts up to a maximum of 4 inches; Gusty wind conditions; and Rough seas and high surf,” the Premier detailed.

He asked that residents consider the specific risks, and their own situation and also take the path of caution.

“At the very least, we all need to be vigilant when it comes to Hurricane Tammy’s forecast updates. If the forecast changes, we may need to take additional action,” he added.

Some still recovering from Philippe - Premier 

Dr Wheatley further said that he knows this is not an easy time for us for persons in the VI as just weeks ago the VI experienced flooding from Tropical Storm Philippe and many may still be in recovery mode.

“For some of us, the memories of previous impacts may be causing anxiety or hurt. I wish we could say with more certainty what Tammy may bring to our shores, but for now, we can only prepare as best we can, and pray for the best.” 

He asked that residents place their trust in reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Centre and the Department of Disaster Management while authorities continue to monitor the situation and the government issues statements as needed.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in a 5:00 pm report today said Hurricane Tammy was near Antigua with strong winds and heavy rains spreading across portions of the Leeward Islands with Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla, St Maarten, St Martin, and St Barthelemy under a Hurricane Watch.