Melissa formed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of West Africa in mid-October and developed into a tropical storm on Oct. 21. Over the weekend, the system rapidly intensified over the central Caribbean, prompting hurricane warnings for Jamaica and southeastern Cuba, and a hurricane watch for Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The NHC said the hurricane’s slow movement increases the risk of prolonged rainfall and flooding. Forecast models project rainfall totals of up to 40 inches in some areas, with flash floods and landslides likely in mountainous terrain. “The entire island will be impacted,” Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management said in a statement Sunday, urging residents in coastal and flood-prone areas to evacuate.

In Haiti, officials reported at least three deaths related to flooding and structural collapses as the storm’s outer bands reached the country’s southern region. The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center said several homes were damaged and power outages were reported in multiple provinces.

Forecasters expect Melissa to maintain major hurricane strength as it nears Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday before turning northwest toward southeastern Cuba. Storm surge of up to 13 feet is possible along Jamaica’s southern coast, and large swells are expected to affect nearby islands, including the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, later in the week.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually active, with several systems undergoing rapid intensification fueled by warm sea surface temperatures. Authorities across the Caribbean have urged residents to monitor official advisories and complete preparations before conditions deteriorate.

The post Hurricane Melissa Strengthens to Category 4, Threatens Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

The following airports will be closed at the specified times:

• Virgin Gorda International Airport – 2:00 p.m.
• Auguste George International Airport – 2:00 p.m.
• Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport – 5:00 p.m.

Mr. Menal stated that all airports will remain closed until the “all clear” is given and a full assessment of each facility is completed. He added that updates regarding the reopening of the airports will be issued in due course.

Passengers with confirmed travel dates for August 16 and 17 are advised to contact their respective airlines directly for further information and assistance.

The BVI Airports Authority thanks the public for their cooperation and urges everyone to stay safe during the passage of Hurricane Erin.

The post Closure of Territory’s Airports Due to Hurricane Erin appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

As of Thursday morning, Erin was located about 904 miles east of the Leeward Islands and 1,091 miles east of the British Virgin Islands, moving west at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The system is expected to pass just north of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend, bringing the possibility of heavy rainfall, tropical-storm-force winds and dangerous rip currents.

Forecasters said large swells are likely to affect coastal areas as early as Friday, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers and boaters. Even if the storm’s center remains offshore, impacts are expected across much of the northeastern Caribbean.

The latest forecast track shows Erin curving north and northeast away from the United States early next week, but meteorologists caution that the storm’s exact proximity to the East Coast remains uncertain. Rough surf and a high risk for rip currents are likely along the U.S. East Coast throughout next week, regardless of the storm’s final path.

Erin’s maximum winds are projected to strengthen significantly over the next 48 hours, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 60 miles from its center. Officials in the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands have urged residents to monitor updates and review hurricane preparedness plans.

The next advisory is expected at 11 a.m. ECT or sooner if conditions change, forecasters Letitia Humphreys and Charissa Humphreys said.

The post Tropical Cyclone Alert Issued as Storm Erin Approaches Leeward Islands, British Virgin Islands appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

Flow technicians have made significant progress, restoring connectivity to mobile sites in Virgin Gorda North, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. Efforts are ongoing on Tortola, particularly at the Chalwell and Long Swamp Fiber Distribution Points. These crucial hubs serve broadband customers in regions including Great Mountain, Spooners Estate, Cane Garden Bay, Chalwell, and Fat Hog’s Bay to the Airport.

Restoration work is also advancing in Virgin Gorda, with focus areas being North Sound and the Valley.

“We understand the importance of connectivity for our customers in resuming their daily lives and we thank them for their patience during this restoration phase,” said Nadia A. James, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Flow. “We are committed to restoring connectivity and having most of our broadband customers back online before the weekend.”

James further explained that the company’s priority is to swiftly repair the main fiber distribution points, which should automatically restore internet services in affected communities. Once these critical repairs are completed, technicians will focus on investigating individual customer faults as they are reported.

Flow customers experiencing service interruptions due to the storm or ongoing recovery efforts are encouraged to report issues via WhatsApp at 1284-544-4444 for Tortola or 1284-544-0189 for Virgin Gorda. Reports can be made Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and to the Regional Customer Care Team at 1800-804-2994 from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. Customers are advised to provide their account information when making a report.

ADVERTISEMENT:

The post Restoration Efforts Underway as Flow Technicians Tackle Post-Storm Repairs appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

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.

The post All Ports Set to Reopen Tomorrow After Ernesto’s Passage appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

Governor Pruce confirmed that, after consultations with the National Emergency Operations Centre and Premier Natalio D. Wheatley, it is now generally safe for residents to move about. Government offices are scheduled to reopen tomorrow, August 15.

“This means that it is generally safe to move about, and that Government offices will re-open tomorrow, but we should all still use caution,” Governor Pruce stated. He advised motorists to be aware of potential hazards such as ponding on roads and scattered debris, and urged mariners to remain vigilant, as rough seas are expected to persist for the next few days.

While a full assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Ernesto is still underway, initial reports indicate that the storm inflicted significant damage across the islands. The Territory experienced sustained winds of 48 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour. Rainfall averaged five inches, with some areas receiving as much as eight inches.

The Governor acknowledged the impact of flooding on homes and businesses, as well as the widespread property damage caused by strong winds, high waves, and downed trees. “Many have been impacted by flooding, and will need time to repair and restore their homes or businesses,” he said.

Power has been restored in Road Town and Central Tortola, but Governor Pruce cautioned that it may take time for the entire Territory to be fully reconnected. He also urged residents to check on friends and neighbours, particularly those who may be vulnerable.

As the Territory moves into the peak of hurricane season, Governor Pruce stressed the importance of preparation. “I have one more request: As we head into the busiest period of the hurricane season, I ask everyone to consider how they can prepare for the next storm and take steps to be ready,” he advised.

The post Governor Issues All Clear as Hurricane Ernesto Passes, Urges Caution During Recovery appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

Numerous trees have fallen, particularly in the countryside areas on the northern side of the islands, posing significant risks. Sightseeing is strongly discouraged, as there is a high likelihood of becoming trapped by debris.

Road crews are actively assessing the damage and working to clear debris from the roads. However, the all-clear has not yet been given. Residents are advised to stay off the roads until further notice. The DDM emphasises that the teams are prioritising the clearing of main roads first, but their safety is also paramount. The public is urged to exercise patience as these efforts continue.

Tropical Storm Ernesto, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, remains a serious threat. As of 2 a.m., the storm was located near latitude 19.0 North and longitude 66.0 West, approximately 86 miles west-northwest of Road Town. Moving northwest at 17 mph (28 km/h), the storm is expected to take a turn toward the north-northwest and then north, gradually decreasing in speed by Wednesday night and Thursday.

On its current trajectory, Ernesto is forecasted to pass to the northeast and north of Puerto Rico by early Wednesday, then move over the western Atlantic later in the week, potentially approaching Bermuda by Friday.

With maximum sustained winds now at 70 mph (110 km/h) and further strengthening anticipated, Ernesto is likely to become a hurricane by early Wednesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km) from the center, and residents should be prepared for heavy rain, flash flooding, and hazardous marine conditions.

The Department of Disaster Management continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property during this critical period.

https://www.facebook.com/jtv55/videos/579092404441513

The post Stay Indoors and Off the Roads – No All Clear Yet – BVIDDM warns appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

The post Virgin Islands on High Alert as Hurricane Watch Issued For Tropical Storm Ernesto appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

This year is anticipated to be one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons, with 17 to 25 systems expected to develop into tropical storms and as many as 13 becoming hurricanes of category one or higher, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favour tropical storm formation,” shared NOAA Climate Prediction Centre in the United States on May 23.

NOAA forecasts seventeen to twenty-five total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, eight to thirteen are predicted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher).

“Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges,” the US weather agency added.

The NOAA statement warned that “severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today.”

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth most active on record, matching the intensity of 1933, with twenty named storms forming.

Among these, seven developed into hurricanes, and three reached major hurricane strength.

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30.

The post 2024 Is One the Busiest Atlantic Hurricane Seasons appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.