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Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley in a statement today, August 14,  provided an update on the recovery operations.

“I hope and pray you have all made it safely through the worst of Ernesto,” Premier Wheatley said, underscoring the seriousness of the storm’s impact. He confirmed that crews from the Public Works Department, the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), and telecommunications providers are actively working to clear the roads and restore essential services.

The Premier also acknowledged the critical role of district representatives and heavy equipment operators who have been instrumental in assisting their communities during this challenging time. “I acknowledge the district representatives and the heavy equipment operators who are assisting their communities at this time,” he noted.

As the Territory begins to recover, Premier Wheatley urged residents to prioritize safety by remaining indoors until an official all-clear is given. “Please protect your safety and the safety of our essential workers and allow these crews time to do their work,” he advised.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is expected to convene shortly to assess the situation further and coordinate ongoing efforts. Premier Wheatley assured the public that additional updates would be provided following the NEOC’s meeting.

Reflecting on the collective resilience of the Virgin Islands, the Premier offered words of gratitude and hope. “We are grateful to God for His protection. May His love and mercy be our shelter throughout the remainder of this Hurricane season,” he concluded.

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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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