Local News
Virgin Islands on High Alert as Hurricane Watch Issued For Tropical Storm Ernesto
The Virgin Islands are bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which has prompted a hurricane watch for the territory, indicating the possibility of hurricane conditions within the next 12 hours.
Governor Daniel Pruce has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at Level 1, the initial monitoring phase in response to the approaching storm. Residents have been urged to finalise their storm preparations by this afternoon and to prepare for sheltering in place tonight and tomorrow as Ernesto approaches.
Non-essential government offices will remain closed on Wednesday, August 14, as a precaution.
Ernesto is expected to bring severe weather overnight across the territory, with high wind gusts and heavy rainfall anticipated tonight. At 5:00 PM AST (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located approximately 45 miles east-southeast of Road Town, near latitude 18.0 North and longitude 64.1 West. Ernesto is currently moving toward the west-northwest at 18 mph (30 km/h).
The storm is forecast to further strengthen over the next 24 hours, with a turn toward the northwest and a gradual decrease in forward speed expected tonight. By Wednesday night and Thursday, Ernesto is projected to shift toward the north-northwest and then north. The center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over the Virgin Islands this evening, and then move just to the northeast and north of Puerto Rico tonight and into Wednesday. Ernesto should then head over the western Atlantic later in the week and approach Bermuda by Friday.
In addition to heavy rainfall, a storm surge is expected to raise water levels by one to three feet above normal tide levels. Large, destructive waves are anticipated along the coast, creating hazardous conditions. The swells generated by Ernesto are likely to result in life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents.
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has stressed the importance of stocking up on essential supplies and securing homes and properties. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services have also issued a tropical storm warning for the Virgin Islands, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is actively searching for three suspects who fled after an attempted home invasion in Cocodella on Monday afternoon.
Officers responded to a report of the incident shortly after 3 p.m. today, December 2. Upon arrival, they encountered four armed individuals. Shots were exchanged during the confrontation, resulting in the arrest of one suspect. The individual is currently in custody at the Road Town Police Station and is assisting with investigations.
The remaining suspects escaped on foot, with one believed to have sustained injuries during the encounter. Despite extensive searches, they have not been located.
The RVIPF has launched a full investigation and is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477. Information can also be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
All tips will be treated with strict confidentiality as authorities work to bring the suspects to justice.
A South African national was charged with manslaughter following a tragic marine collision that claimed the life of 39-year-old Stephen Cross Jr.
Lesley Joubert, 36, was taken into custody by officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) as part of their investigation into the incident. He appeared before the Magistrate’s Court and was granted bail set at $120,000 in cash. Joubert is expected to return to court on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
The tragic event occurred on the evening of Friday, 22 November, near Saba Rock. Initial reports indicate that a 21-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) collided with a dinghy, causing severe injuries to Mr. Cross, a resident of St. Thomas, USVI.
Cross was rushed to the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic before being transferred to the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.
As investigations continue, the authorities have urged members of the public with any information relevant to the case to come forward.
The RVIPF assured the public that comprehensive investigations are underway to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
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