💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA reported storm-related power and water disruptions across the Virgin Islands
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(8.14.24)---wapa-updates-following-tropical-storm-ernesto-.pdf?sfvrsn=e51147fd_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on August 14, 2024, that Tropical Storm Ernesto caused power and water service disruptions across the territory as crews assessed damage and began restoration work.
In the St. Thomas-St. John district, WAPA said the Randolph Harley Power Plant maintained service overnight to critical facilities including Roy Lester Schneider Hospital and Cyril E. King Airport, as well as WICO, Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande. The authority said feeders 5A, 9B, 10B and Yacht Haven Grande remained active during the storm, though some customers on those feeders had isolated outages.
WAPA said line crews began damage assessments early on August 14, 2024, but restoration work was delayed by weather conditions as the storm intensified. The authority said full restoration efforts were underway after conditions improved.
In the St. Croix district, WAPA said an islandwide outage began at about 9 p.m. on August 13, 2024, after a loss of generation at the Richmond power plant. Plant personnel completed troubleshooting work to bring Unit 20 and Unit 17 online, WAPA said, but flooding at the plant had to be pumped out before crews could access the substation for restoration.
WAPA said, working with the Department of Public Works, line crews were clearing uprooted trees in Estate Strawberry Hill and Barren Spot on St. Croix. Debris in some areas slowed efforts to clear lines, the authority said.
The authority also said water customers across the territory were experiencing service interruptions. On St. John, WAPA said the Cruz Bay pump station lost power, and water personnel were redirecting the system from St. Thomas to improve water pressure while operators assessed damage.