The British Virgin Islands was spared in the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season which concluded with a total of 21 named storms, with four major hurricanes.
Acting Director at the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) Jasen Penn said that while the Virgin Islands was fortunate not to see major impacts from storms this year, others in the Atlantic basin were not so fortunate.
He said, “Systems including Tropical Storm Fred, Hurricane Ida, and Hurricane Larry have caused billions of dollars’ worth of damage to our neighbours throughout the region…These impacts demonstrate the continuing need to be ready and stay ready for the possibility of storms.”
The Acting Director expressed gratitude for the commitment to comprehensive disaster management demonstrated throughout the territory.
“From our leaders, to the specialists in the Public Service, to the partners in the private sector and our community-based organisations, it’s gratifying to see how everyone worked together to ensure that we could be as ready as possible this season,” Penn said.
The 2021 season was the seventh consecutive year with a named storm occurring prior to June 1 which was Tropical Storm Ana which formed on May 22. This season also saw several long storms, including Sam, which lasted 17 days, and Larry, which lasted 13 days.
Residents are reminded that it is possible for tropical storms to develop outside of the June 1 to November 30 annual hurricane season, and to continue to review plans and assess emergency stocks regularly.