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Virgin Islands Under Tropical Storm Warning as Potential Cyclone Approaches
The Virgin Islands have been placed under a Tropical Storm Warning as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five approaches, raising concerns about strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous coastal conditions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has indicated that tropical storm conditions are expected to impact the region within the next 36 hours, with the storm’s effects likely to be felt as early as Tuesday night.
The disturbance’s current trajectory suggests it will pass through the Leeward Islands tonight or Tuesday before moving closer to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Tuesday night. Afterward, it is expected to shift away from Puerto Rico over the Western Atlantic by mid-week.
The NHC has assigned a high probability (90%) that the system will develop into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours, with the same likelihood over the next seven days. The estimated minimum central pressure is currently 1010 mb (29.83 inches).
The latest update from the NHC at 11:00 AM AST reported that the disturbance is currently centered near latitude 15.1 N and longitude 55.6 W, moving west at a speed of approximately 26 mph. A shift towards the west-northwest is expected, with a slight decrease in forward speed over the coming days. Maximum sustained winds have reached 35 mph, with stronger gusts. The disturbance is likely to strengthen, potentially developing into a tropical depression later today or tonight, and further intensifying into a tropical storm as it continues its course.
The NHC has issued several key warnings and predictions related to the storm:
- Rainfall: The Virgin Islands can expect 4 to 6 inches of rain, which may lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.
- Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by late Tuesday or early Wednesday, bringing sustained winds and potentially dangerous gusts.
- Storm Surge: Cyclonic swells could elevate coastal water levels by 1 to 3 feet above normal, creating hazardous waves and dangerous surf conditions.
Residents of the Virgin Islands are urged to make necessary preparations and stay informed through local weather updates as the storm approaches.
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Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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