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*Hello,
My boyfriend and I have booked a fabulous vacation to the Virgin Islands. My only concern is that we are traveling the last week in August which is prime hurricane season. It also seems as though it rains a lot in August. Could you tell me a little bit about what the weather is like during late August and also what happens when a hurricane is predicted near the island? Is it always evacuated and if so, do they make the tourists go back home immediately? We got the travel insurance but it only covers us if we can't fly in or out of the island after 2 days of our scheduled dates to arrive or depart.
Also, what is your most recomended "must do" on the island?
Any input would be great!
Regarding your hurricane concerns...relax. The odds of one hitting here are slim, but there is always plenty of notice. Keep an eye on the Tropical Update at :50 after every hour on the Weather Channel and you will have plenty of notice as to whether you want to cancel your tip or not. When one IS coming, there is nowhere to "evacuate" to. It's an island!! Hunker down and pray. As far as rain is concerned, August is the 5th most precipitous month...or the 7th LEAST precipitous! Gotta keep the glass half-full, right?!? Haha!
Marty-
Isn't there a safe place where people go in the event of a hurricane - especially those who are in "not so safe" locations/housing?
How about UVI or one of the other schools, churches, etc? I mean, if you're staying in someplace like Gibney Beach cottage, where do you go?
By the way, any earthquakes lately?
Qualify: I have not been in the USVI under threat or actual hurricane event.
When talking to full time residents on Water Island: Some folks have "hide-y holes" in or near their personal residence. Some/many hunker down in Fort Segarro or other concrete structures left over from the US Government many years ago. I have no idea where the folks in STT, STJ or STX ride it out.
Most people usually ride it out in their homes. Some go to designated shelters, which are usually school gyms.
There are several designated shelters on each island. On St Thomas, Charlotte Amalie High School is one. On St John, the Moravian Church in Coral Bay is one. They usually announce where and when they are open when a hurricane is on track for the VI. While residents usually stay in their homes, there are people like those who live on their boats who seek shelter.
I have been on island when a hurricane was threatening. If you are in a resort right on the beach they make arrangements for you to move to a safer location. If not you ride it out right wjere you are. The storms I have been there for have not been direct hits and were really no problem.
