His Excellency Governor John J Rankin has issued a message to the residents of the Virgin Islands, urging them to stay vigilant and prepared as Tropical Storm Philippe approaches the territory.

Governor Rankin has been closely monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Philippe and receiving regular briefings from the team at the Department of Disaster Management (DDM). He emphasizes the importance of staying informed by following the updates provided by the DDM, which have been in close coordination with the official meteorological office in Antigua.

The meteorological office has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Virgin Islands, indicating the need for residents to prepare for the possibility of tropical storm conditions within the territory. Governor Rankin encourages the community to stay informed about the evolving situation.

In the latest update from the National Hurricane Centre at 2:00 p.m. today, Tropical Storm Philippe was located near latitude 19 degrees North and longitude 64.4 degrees West. The storm is currently moving northwest at a speed of about 10 miles per hour, with sustained wind speeds of 45 miles per hour. The storm’s winds extend outward up to 175 miles from its center.

Forecasters have described predicting Philippe as a challenging task, but they caution that wind speeds of up to 30 miles per hour may be expected in the Virgin Islands. Additionally, the possibility of 4-8 inches of rain within the next 24 hours raises concerns about potential flash flooding. Rough seas and rip currents, particularly on the northern sides of the islands, are also anticipated, leading to a small craft advisory being in effect.

As a precautionary measure, the National Emergency Operations Centre will be activating at Level 1, the monitoring phase, this afternoon. This level of readiness ensures that first responders and essential workers are prepared to respond immediately should conditions worsen.

Governor Rankin advises residents to continue following the updates from the Department of Disaster Management and take this time to review their emergency plans. It is crucial to ensure that individuals are prepared to activate necessary procedures at home and work. Those residing in low-lying or flood-prone areas are encouraged to take steps to safeguard their property.

The Governor assures the public that any further advice and information received will be promptly shared. In the meantime, he urges residents to support one another and prioritize safety during this time.

As Tropical Storm Philippe approaches, the Virgin Islands community is reminded of the importance of preparedness and resilience. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can help ensure their safety and minimize the potential impact of the storm.

Governor John Rankin