Leeward Islands and Anguilla feel the effects of Frontal Trough

Recent developments in a weather system brought on by a cold front have shown their effects on the Southern and Eastern Caribbean region with a frontal trough that is directly affecting Leeward Island, Anguilla and other islands in the vicinity.

Two islands in the Northeast of the of the Caribbean have closed down schools due to adverse weather conditions, while others are quickly following suit and implementing the necessary measures into the place to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

The British Virgin Island’s Department of Disaster Management has stated that two inches of rain have fallen through the night, accompanied by thunderstorms, which are likely to persist.

The British Virgin Islands closed schools down for the time being, citing heavy rain, high winds and reduced visibility. This is why students and teachers have been asked to remain at home.

The luxury cruise ship Evrima, which was scheduled to arrive at Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, has cancelled her call as the British Virgin Island’s Ports Authority warned of adverse weather conditions that were not suitable for the vessel.

The Department of Education (VIDE) in the US Virgin Islands has also cited heavy rain, strong winds, and low visibility as the reasons for the closure of schools nationwide.

An advisory has been issued to parents and guardians to keep children at home and ensure their safety as adverse weather conditions persist in the region.

According to the latest alert issued by the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), residents of the US Virgin Islands have been advised to be prepared for 2-4 inches of heavy rainfall, which will continue into Thursday.

Low-lying areas are at risk of succumbing to flash floods due to heavy rainfall and continuing thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusts of wind moving at 40 miles per hour.

An update for the benefit of sea ports and airports, issued by the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) states that multiple vessels which were scheduled to come to the US Virgin Islands have altered their itineraries due to inclement weather in the region to ensure their safety.

Even though US Virgin Island’s seaports are open, a warning has been issued due to intense wave activity, which states the following:

Seaports – St Thomas/St John

There have been no cancellations of cruise calls to St Thomas/St John, and the schedule for February 7 and 8 is as follows:

Wednesday, February 7
WICO – Disney Fantasy
WICO – Niew Amsterdam
WICO – Norwegian Encore
Crown Bay – Wonder of the Seas
Crown Bay – Evrima Yacht (*additional call due to itinerary change)

Thursday, February 8
WICO – Zaandam
St John – Evrima Yacht
VIPA has clarified that passenger and car ferries will continue to operate between St John and St Thomas and cargo vessels are also expected to remain on schedule, with no cancellations in services.

Seaports – St Croix

The Adventure of the Seas will not arrive for its call to St Croix, scheduled for Wednesday, February 7th.

All cargo vessel operations at the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port and Transshipment Center (the Container port) have been cancelled for Wednesday, February 7th.

Airports

The Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) are open and will continue to operate as planned. Individual airlines can be contacted by travelers for further details.

The Blowing Point Ferry Terminal in Anguilla has been closed due to deteriorating sea conditions. Authorities have suggested that alternative means of travel can be availed by making use of the carriers which service the Clayton J Lloyd International Airport as the airport continues to operate in its regular schedule.