USVI Braces for Impact: Tropical Storm Lee Nears Hurricane Status; Preparations in High Gear

The US Virgin Islands are on high alert as Tropical Storm Lee gears up, potentially escalating into a formidable hurricane by this weekend. This information is derived from the 5:00 a.m. report on Wednesday released by the National Hurricane Center.

The current advisory pinpoints the storm about 1,265 miles ESE of the Northern Leeward Islands, moving at a pace of 14 mph towards the west-northwest direction. Lee’s maximum sustained winds have been clocked at nearly 65 mph, with its central pressure registering at 997 mb (29.44 inches).

Although there are no coastal advisories, warnings, or watches as of now, stakeholders and residents of the Leeward Islands are strongly urged to stay updated on the storm’s trajectory. The V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is gearing up, with plans to offer sandbags and substantial quantities of sand to the local households, given that the situation escalates to a “credible threat”, as mentioned by the agency’s head, Daryl Jaschen.

Updated Forecast Details

By 5:00 AM AST, the location of Tropical Storm Lee was confirmed at latitude 13.7 North and longitude 44.6 West. Maintaining its west-northwest trajectory, the storm’s route is likely to remain the same for the upcoming days. The winds, currently at 65 mph, are anticipated to intensify, and Lee might achieve hurricane status today, eventually advancing into a major hurricane in a few days.

USVI’s Proactive Measures

Under the guidance of Mr. Jaschen, all associated bodies are getting ready to mitigate potential impacts. The agency has been funded recently to procure new sandbags and substantial quantities of sand. “Should the conditions deteriorate, we are looking at sandbag distribution between Thursday and Friday,” states Jaschen. Households interested in these sandbags are required to fill them personally using their shovels. Each household can claim up to six sandbags.

Distribution centers will be set up across various islands. Notable locations include the V.I. Department of Public Works stations and fire departments on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

Anticipated Surf Conditions for Lesser Antilles

The swells arising from Tropical Storm Lee pose a significant risk, potentially leading to perilous surf and rip current situations across parts of the Lesser Antilles by Friday.

Heed the Warnings, Leeward Islands

Although forecasts predict Lee to steer north of the Northern Leeward Islands over the weekend, locals should be prepared for deviations in the storm’s path. To put things into perspective, the average discrepancies in the NHC’s forecasted tracks are approximately 125 and 175 nautical miles on the 4th and 5th days, respectively.

Given the storm’s impending strength, residents in potential target zones are strongly recommended to keep a vigilant eye on updates and get their preparations underway.