Due to the forming Hurricane in the region, airline partners have canceled all flights into the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sunday, September 18 resulting in both airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands – Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas to close through 12 PM, September 19. All USVI seaports were closed by the U.S. Coast Guard at 10 p.m. on Friday, September 16, and remain closed until further notice. Ferry services are not available.
The National Weather Service has lifted its Hurricane Watch advisory for the USVI. The Territory remains under a Tropical Storm Warning and flashflood watch as heavy rainfall continues and is expected through Tuesday. Tropical Storm Fiona, which has strengthened to a hurricane, continues its westward track toward Puerto Rico.
While there has been no damage or devastation reported on the islands, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is urging residents to stay home as the storm continues. Visitors are encouraged to exercise caution and check with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, etc. to determine what actions they plan to take or what policies the businesses have in place.
“As the Department of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands, our utmost priority is the safety and comfort of our residents and visitors. We advise all to take the proper precautions and remain indoors. We send our warmest thoughts and prayers to our sister islands of Puerto Rico and the BVI,” says Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism.
Visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands should refer to the official resources to stay informed during this tropical storm:
National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
U.S. Virgin Island travel advisories on www.visitusvi.com
U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority on https://www.viport.com/
