What are the issues affecting travelers in US Virgin Islands? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.
Photo © Getty Images/Steven Heap/Eye Em
Previous travel alerts for the US Virgin Islands
Hurricane Maria - 18 September, 2017
A 3rd hurricane in 2 weeks is bearing down on the US Virgin Islands. Hurricane Maria is predicted to follow a similar path to Irma and sweep across the northern Caribbean with the US Virgin islands directly in its path. Presently a category 1 hurricane, Maria is expected to develop into a major hurricane as it approaches and will strike the region sometime late on Tuesday 19th or early on Wednesday the 20th.
As well as destructive winds Maria is expected to dump a foot-and-a-half of rain leading to localised severe flooding.
How to Survive a Hurricane
The absolutely best way to survive a hurricane is to avoid one. Get away from it, but if you make the decision to leave make that decision early. Do not leave it until the last minute because you may find yourself caught without proper shelter.
If you decide to stay and "ride it out" it is advisable to get to an authorized shelter. The locations of these will be broadcast, or locals will know where they are. If there is no shelter, prepare to "shelter in place" in an internal room without windows.
Once a "storm watch" has been issued, make sure you are prepared in the event that the watch becomes a "warning."
- Fill the gas tank of your car.
- Check batteries in flashlights and radios.
- Have extra batteries on hand.
- Secure all doors and windows.
- Close shutters or board up the windows.
- Have extra supplies on hand such as non-perishable food, clean drinking water, a half-gallon of water per person/per day (enough for a couple of days), and prescription drugs.
During the storm
- Never go out during the storm. The winds can send flying debris into you causing injury and even death.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Keep on the alert for additional storm warnings. Hurricanes are known to spawn tornadoes so be prepared to take cover if one should strike.
- While the storm is in progress avoid using electrical appliances.
- Stay off the telephone.
- All pets should be secure in carriers. The storm will be a frightening experience for them as well, and they could injure themselves or you if they panic.
- Do not light candles or lanterns; they could get blown over causing a fire.
- The eye of the storm passing over could make you think the storm is over when the worst is still yet to come. Only use this calm in an extreme emergency to make critical repairs.
- Only after an official "all clear" has been issued is it safe to come out.
After the storm
- Beware of downed power lines and gas leaks.
- Stay away from heavily damaged areas.
- Listen to your radio for instructions.
Hurricane Irma - 7 September, 2017
Category 5 Hurricane Irma made landfall in the US Virgin Islands Wednesday, causing extensive damage. Irma is now headed for Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and the US mainland. Keep an eye on local media for the latest updates.
Travel warnings have been issued for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, and Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the northern border with Haiti, Guadeloupe, Southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The United States has declared states of emergency in the US Virgin Islands, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Puerto Rico.
Along with extremely strong winds, Hurricane Irma is likely to create a storm surge of 11 feet or more, with large, breaking waves. Heavy rains could cause life-threating flash floods and mudslides.
Be aware that now this is a named hurricane and emergencies have been declared in several places it may not be possible to purchase travel insurance to cover this event. To discuss your coverage please contact us at World Nomads.
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