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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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.

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As of the latest advisory, Ernesto is positioned at 18.4°N latitude and 64.7°W longitude, approximately 20 miles (30 km) east of St. Thomas and about 90 miles (145 km) east of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Current Weather Conditions:

• Maximum Sustained Winds: 65 mph (100 km/h)
• Present Movement: West-northwest (WNW) at 18 mph (30 km/h)
• Minimum Central Pressure: 998 mb (29.47 inches)

As Ernesto continues its path, residents of the Virgin Islands should brace for further deterioration in weather conditions. The storm is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it passes to the northeast of Puerto Rico later tonight.

Authorities are urging everyone to stay vigilant, adhere to safety advisories, and prepare for severe weather impacts.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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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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