High Surf Warning in effect for BVI, worst expected this afternoon — DDM

A High Surf Warning has been placed on the British Virgin Islands since Hurricane Jerry has strengthened to a category two disaster.

This warning means that damaging and “life-threatening” surf/waves are expected along the territory’s shorelines. In this case, northern shorelines like those on Anegada will be worst affected.

A weather advisory from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) Friday morning said, “the worst is expected to begin later this afternoon (September 20)”.

The DDM said the surf warning is not only from the anticipated effect of Jerry but also the fainter effects of Hurricane Humberto which is located farther out into the northern Atlantic.

It said: “Northerly long swells of moderate height from hurricanes Jerry and Humberto will reach the islands. The swells are expected to cause life-threatening surfs and powerful rip currents. There is also the possibility of flooding of some low-lying coastal areas. These swells will present an especially heightened threat to life and property in the surf zone.”

Seas are expected to rise between six to 10 feet while swells are expected to climb between six and eight feet; occasionally higher.

“High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions will result in coastal flooding and beach erosion,” the DDM said.

It noted that locations to be affected include reefs and exposed northern and east-facing coastlines.

The high surf is further expected to last till Saturday morning.

Up to six inches of rain

In the meantime, forecasters have said four to six inches of rainfall is possible for the sister island of Anegada, which is nearest to Hurricane Jerry’s trajectory.

“Rainfall estimates of one to three inches is possible on the remaining Islands of the BVI. Rough sea conditions especially on the north side of the Islands,” the DDM added.c

Though the territory will begin feeling effects Friday, Jerry is projected to pass north of the territory on Saturday.

Maximum winds nearing 105 mph

“At 5 am, the centre of Hurricane Jerry was located near latitude 18.4 North, longitude 58.7 West. Jerry is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph. A west-northwest to northwest motion at a decreasing forward speed is expected over the next few days.”c

As a category two hurricane, Jerry’s maximum sustained winds remain near 105 mph with higher gusts.

“A gradual weakening trend is forecast to begin later today, but Jerry is expected to remain a hurricane during the next few days,” the DDM said.

Other winds

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.

“A gradual weakening trend is forecast to begin later today but Jerry is expected to remain a hurricane during the next few days,” the DDM said.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.