USVI Governor urges vigilance ahead of TS Fiona’s arrival
Officials on the US Virgin Islands are closely monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Fiona as it approaches the Leeward Islands in the coming hours.
The British and US Virgin Islands have not been placed under a tropical storm watch or warning, but forecasts show TS Fiona will affect the territories from Saturday.
In the 2 pm advisory, the US National Hurricane Centre said TS Fiona was located 750 kilometres east of the Leeward Islands.
At a media conference this afternoon, US Virgin Island Governor Albert Bryan called on islanders to be vigilant and prepare for the storm, which is currently packing winds near 50 mph (85 km/h).
“We know climate change has been doing funny things with storms…we have seen [instances] where storms develop overnight. [They go] from 50 to 90 and then 90 to 135. Let’s be vigilant,” he said.
TS Fiona will be a test run for the USVI’s hurricane response plan for 2022.
Shelters have not been open, but the governor said they would be available once the storm becomes a category one hurricane.
Sands bags will be distributed today and tomorrow as the government expects some flooding in St Thomas and St John.
Bryan is advising Virgin Islanders to stay at home during the passage of TS Fiona.
The governor said he is confident that the Virgin Islands can withstand the effects of TS Fiona since they have dealt with stronger storms.
However, he warned islanders: “Don’t take chances. Act like it’s a Category Five”.
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