Additional Coverage:
- Tropical Storm Erin prompts alerts in Caribbean as it inches closer to becoming hurricane (foxweather.com)
Miami – Tropical Storm Erin is gaining strength and could rapidly intensify into a major hurricane, prompting Tropical Storm Watches across the northeastern Caribbean. While a direct hit to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico seems unlikely, officials are urging residents and tourists to prepare for potential impacts.
Tropical Storm Watches are now in effect for Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, St.
Martin, Saba, and St. Eustatius.
These watches indicate that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
The U.S. Virgin Islands has accelerated its sandbag distribution program in anticipation of the storm.
Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), Daryl Jaschen, expressed concern about wind-driven rain, high surf, and strong winds. He emphasized the logistical challenges of preparing for a storm in an island territory where almost all goods are imported.
Coordination is underway with schools, power plants, airports, and communication services. Jaschen also stated that the Department of Tourism is working to keep tourists informed and safe, particularly those on St.
John, who might need to evacuate to St. Thomas if a State of Emergency is declared.
Travel disruptions have already begun. Royal Caribbean has modified an itinerary due to Erin’s projected path, and is working to inform affected guests.
Tragically, the storm system, formerly known as Invest 97L, has already claimed lives in the Cabo Verde Islands, off the coast of Africa.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports Erin’s winds have reached 70 mph and are expected to increase, potentially reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher) by the weekend. The storm’s projected path takes it just north of the northern Leeward Islands, but heavy rainfall, high surf, rip currents, and tropical-storm-force winds are still possible across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico into the weekend.