This article will provide real-time updates on the operations of key businesses, institutions and government agencies prior to and after the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto.
10:00 A.M UPDATE – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14TH
BVI AIRPORTS AND SEAPORTS REMAIN CLOSED AS TS ERNESTO IMPACTS TERRITORY
All airports and seaports across the British Virgin Islands will remain closed on Wednesday, August 14, as Tropical Storm Ernesto continues to affect the territory.
This includes the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Virgin Gorda International Airport, and Auguste George International Airport on Anegada, as well as seaports such as the Road Town Jetty, Port Purcell and ferry terminals at West End, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. Authorities will announce the reopening of these ports once deemed safe.
Meanwhile, the Government of the Virgin Islands is strongly urging residents and visitors to stay off the roads until an official all-clear has been issued.
In a recent bulletin, officials stressed that the storm’s effects are ongoing, and teams have begun assessing and clearing roads to ensure public safety.
Residents facing emergencies are advised to call 911 immediately. The government emphasizes that it remains unsafe to venture out until conditions improve.
Additionally, all government offices, with the exception of those staffed by essential workers, will remain closed until Thursday, August 15.
Medical facilities, including Eureka Medical Clinic and Bougainvillea Clinic, have also announced that they will stay closed until an official all-clear is given.
Residents are urged to monitor official updates and prioritize safety as the territory continues to deal with the effects of Tropical Storm Ernesto.
3:00 P.M UPDATE – TUESDAY, AUGUST 13TH
BVIPA AND ADDITIONAL BUSINESSES ANNOUNCE CLOSURES
In response to the advancing Tropical Storm Ernesto, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has implemented widespread closures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
The BVI Ports Authority has announced the closure of all six of its entry ports on Wednesday, August 14. This includes Port Purcell, Road Town Jetty, West End, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. The ports will remain closed until further notice, with additional updates expected once the storm has passed.
BUSINESSES
In addition to the port closures, several businesses across the territory have announced early shutdowns.
- Clarence Thomas Limited has closed its Virgin Gorda branch at 2:00 p.m., with its Tortola branch set to close at 4:00 p.m.
- Drakes Traders has also ceased operations as of 3:00 p.m., with plans to reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, weather permitting.
- Aeropost has interrupted its services, with normal operations expected to resume on Thursday, August 15. DHL closed its doors at 2:30 p.m., advising that no flights will be available until after the storm has passed.
- The popular restaurant and bar Loose Mongoose will close at 5:00 p.m. today, while Infinite Solutions announced that its office and store will remain closed on Wednesday.
12:30 P.M UPDATE – TUESDAY, AUGUST 13TH
EARLY CLOSURES ACROSS THE TERRITORY AS THE BVI BRACES FOR TS ERNESTO
As Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches the British Virgin Islands, the territory is already taking precautionary measures, with several businesses, government agencies, and institutions announcing early closures ahead of the storm’s expected impact.
Among the first to respond was the BVI Airports Authority, which announced the early closure of all three of the territory’s airports. The Virgin Gorda International Airport and the Auguste George International Airport on Anegada were closed from 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, followed by the closure of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at 11:00 a.m.
Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority, Kurt Menal, stated that the airports will remain closed until an “all clear” has been issued. Travelers with confirmed flights into the BVI on August 13 and 14 have been advised to contact their respective airlines for updated information on flight schedules and any potential changes.
FERRY SERVICES
Ferry services in the BVI have also adjusted their operations in anticipation of the storm. Smith’s Ferry Services announced the cancellation of their 3:15 p.m. Road Town service and 5:30 p.m. Charlotte Amalie service on August 13, along with all Anegada trips scheduled for Wednesday, August 14.
Road Town Fast Ferry intends to operate its regular schedule, though they cautioned that services might be affected depending on directives from the USVI’s Port Authority.
Speedy’s Ferry has implemented a limited service schedule for August 13, with their last departure from Road Town at 1:30 p.m. and from Beef Island at 4:30 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Educational institutions have also taken steps to ensure the safety of students and staff. The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College announced its closure at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, ahead of the storm’s arrival.
BANKING SECTOR
In the banking sector, Republic Bank has announced that it will close its branch at 12:00 p.m. to allow employees and customers to make necessary preparations.
As the BVI braces for Tropical Storm Ernesto, residents and visitors are urged to stay informed through official channels and to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.