U.S. Virgin Islands government and public schools closed Sept. 24 as Karen weakened to tropical depression

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on Sept. 23 that Virgin Islands government offices and public schools would close on Tuesday, Sept. 24, as Tropical Storm Karen weakened to a tropical depression while approaching the territory. No curfew was imposed.

At a 5:05 p.m. briefing on Sept. 23, National Weather Service San Juan Senior Meteorologist in Charge Walter Snell told territorial officials that the system had shifted farther south of the territory than initially forecast and that winds had decreased to 35 mph as of 5 p.m.

The National Weather Service forecast 2 to 4 inches of rain across the territory, with isolated areas receiving up to 6 inches. Winds and rain were expected to peak during the afternoon and night of Sept. 24, with lingering showers forecast through Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.

Officials said sea conditions were expected to worsen on Sept. 24, with a high risk of rip currents and breaking waves of up to 10 feet, before improving on Sept. 25. Bryan also warned of possible mudslides because of saturated ground.

All essential government personnel were expected to report to work. At 8 p.m. on Sept. 23, seaports were set to Port Condition ZULU under U.S. Coast Guard direction, barring commercial vessels from entering ports across the territory.

Ferry operators on St. Thomas made their final run to St. John at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23, while the last ferry from St. John to St. Thomas departed at 5 p.m.

Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe said both Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas were to remain open for regular operations on Sept. 24. As of 6 p.m. on Sept. 23, no major airlines had canceled flights to the territory, though Seaborne Aviation and Sea Flight had canceled Monday afternoon flights and all flights for Sept. 24.

Officials said a decision on reopening government offices and schools would be announced on Sept. 25 after an assessment of roads and facilities.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/karen-downgraded-to-a-tropical-depression-on-approach-to-the-territory-heavy-rains-winds-still-anticipated/