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 Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has announced that VC Bird International Airport will cease operations at 8 p.m. tonight, August 12, in anticipation of an incoming tropical system.

This decision follows the latest guidance from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services. The ABAA expects the airport to resume normal commercial services by 3 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, August 13, depending on weather conditions.

Travelers and stakeholders are advised to follow updates from local disaster emergency services and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches. The ABAA will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates as needed.

For further information, travelers are encouraged to stay tuned to official advisories or contact their airlines directly.