Message by His Excellency the Acting Governor Mr. David D. Archer, Jr

On Tropical Storm Fiona’s Continued Approach Near the Virgin Islands

A good afternoon to all in the Virgin Islands.

Tropical Storm Fiona has continued to move west, and the Virgin Islands is now on Tropical Storm Warning.

Based on the latest briefings from the Department of Disaster Management, I can share that as of this afternoon Fiona’s centre jumped a bit to the north and is now about 269 miles southeast of Road Town. The system has maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour with higher gusts, with winds extending outward from the centre as far as 140 miles. Based on the current track, Fiona’s centre is forecast to pass approximately 118 miles south of us tomorrow.

As I shared in a previous message, this close proximity means that we can anticipate the likely impacts will be rough seas; flash flooding, especially in low-lying or flood prone areas; and gusty conditions.

The Public Service has been working diligently to prepare for this system, from securing schools, public buildings and safeguarding our public assets. The Territory’s airports will be closing at sunset this evening to safeguard travelers and allow the staff to secure their facility. Port facilities at Port Purcell, the Road Town Ferry Terminal, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada will be closed tomorrow due to anticipated rough seas. We will be monitoring the passage of Tropical Storm Fiona, and I encourage you all to follow the updates being shared by the Department of Disaster Management.

As we move through the long weekend, it is very important for our businesses and households to take steps to protect themselves and their property. Have your emergency plans ready to activate, if needed. Check on family and business emergency stocks, essential documents, and back-up communications. For those who are able, please also reach out to those in your community who might need some assistance as they carry out final preparations for this system.

I can appreciate that some of us may be feeling particularly anxious at this time. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

Thank you.