The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has announced that all port facilities across the territory will resume regular operations tomorrow, Thursday, August 15, following the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

This decision comes as the BVI begins to recover from the storm’s impact, which led to widespread closures of airports and seaports today.

The BVIPA has advised that while their facilities will be operational, they are still awaiting final approval from the US Coast Guard for the reopening of seaports in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands. Passengers planning to travel are urged to confirm departure times with their respective operators, as services may vary.

All airports and seaports across the British Virgin Islands were closed as a precautionary measure due to the effects of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The closures included key transportation hubs such as Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Virgin Gorda International Airport, and Auguste George International Airport on Anegada, along with seaports like the Road Town Jetty, Port Purcell, and ferry terminals at West End, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada.

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The storm has plunged the territory into darkness, with powerful gusts and substantial rainfall affecting the region.

Governor Daniel Pruce had previously activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at Level 1, the initial monitoring phase in response to the approaching storm. Residents were advised to complete their storm preparations by this afternoon and to remain sheltered as Ernesto approached.

Ernesto is expected to bring severe weather overnight, including high wind gusts and continued heavy rainfall. At 5:00 PM AST (2100 UTC), the centre of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located approximately 45 miles east-southeast of Road Town, near latitude 18.0 North and longitude 64.1 West. The storm is currently moving towards the west-northwest at 18 mph (30 km/h) and is forecast to strengthen further over the next 24 hours.

The storm’s projected path indicates it will pass near or over the Virgin Islands this evening, moving just to the northeast and north of Puerto Rico tonight and into Wednesday. Ernesto is expected to continue over the western Atlantic later in the week and approach Bermuda by Friday.

In addition to heavy rainfall, a storm surge is anticipated to raise water levels by one to three feet above normal tide levels, with large, destructive waves along the coast creating hazardous conditions. Life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents are also expected.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has highlighted the importance of stocking up on essential supplies and securing homes and properties. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services have issued a tropical storm warning for the Virgin Islands.

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