Hello Rod,

There are usually several days of tracking the storm system as it forms and right now I haven't heard of one immeidately behind Emily. Best bet is to keep an eye on tropical forecasts to see whats going on.

--Islander

rsmall-

actually there are a couple possible systems behind emily. i know a lady who works for wapa. they had an emergency meeting because of the weather. it was NOT for emily, but what is coming behind her. there are two systems that look like they could form into something pretty strong. the main concern is the system that is lurking just off the coast of africa. it is rather large already and hasn't even crossed the atlantic. let's just keep our fingers crossed that nothing comes of them. as for your trip, you should be ok. just keep your eyes on the weather channel at :50 minutes past the hour for the tropical update.

-adam

Thanks for the info. I have been tracking, and hoping so much that my travel will go smoothly. I don't care as much if a small storm comes through while I am there. I guess I would assist and ride it out with everyone else. I wouldn't mind as much if a system came through at the end of my stay. Being stuck on the Island is better than not being able to get there.

I do pray that all are spared from ANY storm this year. We deal with blizzards here in Maine, but that is nothing compared to what you deal with this time of year. You do live in paradise though.

Thanks for all the info over the last 4 months. Thanks Islander. Can't wait to see the place you call home. 5 days...

Rod

Gaston, it seems around here as soon as a storm forms and is moving on and there is some cloud formation coming off of Africa, everyone, almost, have already decided, oh my God, there is another bigger one right behind! Since the advent of satellite images and the weather channel, everyone has become a meteorologist ! I just wait to hear when that becomes a depression before worrying. Saves me some hair which I need. So many times you see that large formation off of Africa and it just dissapates. Look and you will see.

And another pet peeve of mine. During the summer a rain storm is called a tropical wave! During any other time of year, it's a rain storm!

RL

Here's a report from the VI Daily News:

http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=6780313

By the way the correct order for hurriane formation is a Wave...followed by a depression, tropical storm...and finally hurricane. I work on the water and have heard nothing a about a system behind Emily. From July to November all conversation around local bars centers around storms rolling off Africa. Usually nothing ever come of these storms...usually.

I've been looking a little for the forecast during my stay in St. Thomas from July 17th to the 23rd. If I'm a sun lover, what are my chances of seeing any. The weather seemed to say rain, but what does that mean for those of you who live there? We I be getting to lay on the beach and soak up some sun during my stay.

Any updates on the weather.? We are planning an August trip but with the looks of the hurricanes maybe we should wait until nov. Does St. thomas usually get hit?

If you wait till November, the weather is one less thing to stress about, That's what we're doing and about 70% of the reason is to avoid the hurricane season. Why tempt the weather gods?

Now for another POV.

I've been to the Caribbean numerous times - ALWAYS during hurricane season. I did my research and the chances of a storm hitting the island that you're on, during the time that you're there are pretty slim.

The are lots of reasons to travel during the off-season. First is airfare. When you fly roundtrip from SeaTac with a family of 4, you need to save as much as possible. Also, I got a great deal on the Villa I'm staying at. Oh, and the crowds? What crowds? In the off-season, there are no crowds!!!! (It so sucks to have the glorious beaches all to yourself. Yippee!!!)

So this year, I'll be on St. John during August enjoying the beach to myself and ignoring the Weather Channel Hype about the next big storm that's forming.

Chances are pretty good, I'll have an awesome time!!!

Good attitude. I couldnt have said it better> Summer and early fall are my favorite times as well.

A number of years ago I found myself forced into a trip to Puerto Rico for business in late Sept. I had been on another business trip and had no Weather Channel access (and AZ news satations didn't give much attention to caribbean storms), so I found myself landing in San Juan on the last flight in before the airport closed and getting stared at by reception at the El San Juan as if I were insane at check-in. Got called out of my room (filled with the porch furniture), at mid-night, stupid from lack of sleep, to be sent to the casino to sleep on the floor for my safety. (no windows) Around 5 AM they allowed us back to our rooms. No electric, but generators ran the elevators and emergency hall lights. It took 2 days to get a flight home. The trip became legend in my company. I didn't care as it was business, but vacationers had a very different view as 2 days of prep preceeded the hurricanes arrival and there were still no activities when I left 2 days after. Anyone on a 1 week vacation was totally out of luck. two weeks later they sent me back and I had an uneventful trip with beautiful weather. You pay your money and take your chances.