Hurricane watch issued for U.S. Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthens

The National Weather Service in Puerto Rico upgraded the tropical storm watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Vieques and Culebra to a hurricane watch at 11 a.m. on Aug. 13, 2024, as Tropical Storm Ernesto was expected to intensify.

Government House said Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving west-northwest at about 18 mph. Forecast conditions included 6 to 8 inches of rain, possible flooding in flood-prone areas, and lightning and thunderstorms.

All non-essential government employees were granted leave at noon on Aug. 13 and were expected to report by noon on Aug. 14.

Public schools in St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix were to remain closed on Aug. 14. Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and Cyril E. King Airport closed early on Aug. 13 and were scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m. on Aug. 14.

The Cruz Bay-Red Hook ferry operated hourly until its last departures at 5 p.m. from Cruz Bay and 5:30 p.m. from Red Hook on Aug. 13. The Peter's Rest and Mandahl convenience centers closed at 5 p.m. the same day.

Government House said shelters would not be in operation.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/tropical-storm-watch-for-ts-ernesto-upgraded-to-hurricane-watch/