💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA said power restoration reached 98% on St. Croix, 93% on St. Thomas and 96% on St. John after Tropical Storm Ernesto
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(8.18.24)-wapa-s-restoration-push-continues-on-day-5.pdf?sfvrsn=a33c6965_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on August 18, 2024, that power restoration work following Tropical Storm Ernesto had entered its fifth day, with all feeders across the territory energized and crews working on isolated outages.
WAPA said restoration stood at 98% on St. Croix, where about 500 customers remained without service; 93% on St. Thomas, where 2,654 customers were still out; and 96% on St. John, where 114 customers remained without power. The figures were reported as of 9:30 a.m. on August 18.
On St. Croix, WAPA said crews were clearing lines and replacing poles in Butler Bay, Rainforest, Princess Hill, Anna’s Hope and Catherine’s Rest. It said additional crews from the Department of Public Works and contractor Haugland VI were assisting with isolated outages on the island’s east end.
On St. Thomas, the authority said crews were prioritizing work in Hull Bay, Bonne Resolution, Hometown, Wintberg, Frenchtown, Coral World, Gomez Elementary School, Santa Maria, Cabrita Point, Frenchman’s Bay and Estate Bakkeroe. WAPA said a crew on Feeder 6B was changing a transformer and that work was also underway on Mountaintop to repair WTJX’s transmitter.
On St. John, WAPA said crews were clearing trees along power lines to restore isolated outages in pocket areas.
The authority also said on August 18 that water personnel on St. Croix were addressing a water leak in the Strawberry Hill area and that nearby areas were experiencing little to no water pressure.
WAPA said its call center was scheduled to operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 18 for reports of isolated outages.