SAHARAN DUST CONTINUES TO RESTRICT TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT

The Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management reports that Saharan dust continues to inhibit tropical system formation in the Atlantic basin, marking nearly two weeks of suppressed activity. The dust, now at peak concentration, has created unfavourable conditions for tropical development. Tropical waves emerging from the African coast struggle against the associated dry air. Experts … Continued

CALM FORECAST FOLLOWS HURRICANE BERYL’S FURY

In a welcome turn of events, the Caribbean is poised for a period of relative calm following the recent havoc wreaked by Hurricane Beryl. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a reassuring seven-day forecast, stating, “For the North Atlantic…Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next … Continued

TROPICAL WAVE BRINGS UNSETTLED WEATHER TO BVI, IMPROVEMENTS EXPECTED

A tropical wave is currently influencing weather conditions across the British Virgin Islands (BVI), bringing increased moisture and instability to the region. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services reports that this system is maintaining a heightened chance of shower activity throughout the day, with gradual improvements expected by evening. Today, residents and visitors can expect … Continued

HURRICANE BERYL THREATENS JAMAICA AFTER DEVASTATING WINDWARD ISLANDS

Hurricane Beryl, a catastrophic Category 5 storm at the time of this report, is barreling towards Jamaica after leaving a trail of destruction across several Caribbean islands. The hurricane, which has already claimed at least 2 lives, is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica on Wednesday before potentially impacting the Cayman … Continued

TROPICAL SYSTEM BREWS IN ATLANTIC, VIRGIN ISLANDS ON ALERT

The Virgin Islands may face its first significant threat of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season as forecasters monitor a developing tropical system in the eastern Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has identified a westward-moving tropical wave that could potentially impact the eastern Caribbean in the coming days. As of 8:00 AM EDT … Continued

CLIMATE CRISIS DEMANDS LOCAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE IN BVI

Pummeled by climate change’s impacts, the British Virgin Islands stands at a crossroads. Rising temperatures, intensifying storms and flash floods increasingly jeopardize these islands’ communities and economic lifelines. The territory faces an existential crisis — and a capability gap. For the BVI, climate change is no hypothetical menace — it’s an inescapable reality battering the … Continued

METEOROLOGIST STRESSES PREPAREDNESS OVER FEAR AS ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON LOOMS

As the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season gets underway, meteorologist Andrew Jackson is emphasizing the importance of preparedness over fear, despite a grim outlook for the coming months.  In a recent interview with 284 Media’s Jhaka Wooding, Jackson delved into the reasons behind the concerning forecast and the challenges it presents compared to last year’s season. … Continued

PREMIER URGES PREPAREDNESS FOR HURRICANE SEASON

In a recent address to the public, Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley urged citizens to prepare for what experts predict will be an active 2024 hurricane season. With as many as 25 named storms expected to develop, he called for prayer and action to protect the territory. The Government has already begun seasonal preparedness … Continued

CLOSURES & POSTPONEMENTS DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER – ACTIVE UPDATES

The adverse weather conditions currently affecting the British Virgin Islands have impacted the operations of several businesses, organisations and schools, prompting closures, postponements and delays in opening. Government Offices All government offices will be physically closed except for essential workers. The Office of the Deputy Governor issued a circular to all public officers informing them … Continued