Finalise Storm Preparations as Atlantic Shows Signs
Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn is urging Virgin Islands residents to complete seasonal storm preparations now as the Atlantic basin “shows signs of entering a more active phase,” officials said in a Department of Disaster Management (DDM) press release. The National Hurricane Center lists three disturbances in the Atlantic (two with potential to affect the Caribbean), and Colorado State University’s August forecast projects nine named storms and four hurricanes for 2026, prompting renewed calls to prepare early.
Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn is again urging residents across the Virgin Islands to finalise seasonal storm preparations now, even though “currently, no systems pose an imminent threat but the regional pattern is shifting,” he said in a Department of Disaster Management press release on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The DDM noted the Atlantic basin “shows signs of entering a more active phase.” The National Hurricane Center currently lists three disturbances in the Atlantic; two of those could affect the Caribbean if they develop. According to the NHC, Disturbance 1 has about a 60 percent chance of cyclone formation within seven days and Disturbance 2 has roughly a 10 percent chance in the same period, details that DDM and Mr.
Penn cite to reinforce the message: prepare now rather than waiting. Penn stressed that advance preparation is especially important for people who are vulnerable in emergencies. “Persons who use a mobility device; have a vision or a hearing impairment; or who have chronic health conditions should work with their care providers, family, and neighbours to make sure they will have what they need in the event of an emergency impact,” he said in the DDM/BVI Government release.
The DDM recommends straightforward seasonal actions: assemble emergency supplies of food, water and medication; review and update family and business emergency plans and insurance policies; clear bulky waste from yards and drains; ensure important documents are in order and stored safely; and inspect and secure shutters and other home protections.
The department also provides templates and checklists on its website, including the 2026 emergency shelter list, family and business plan templates, a home emergency kit checklist and an emergency communication passport at https://www.bviddm.com. Colorado State University’s August forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season projects nine named storms and four hurricanes, with one of those expected to become a major hurricane.
That outlook is below the long‑term average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Forecasters attribute the lower overall activity mainly to a strong El Niño and very high vertical wind shear, citing parallels with the 2009 and 2015 seasons. Officials warned that a below‑average season can still produce damaging storms.
Penn cited Hurricane Bill in 2009 and Hurricane Danny in 2015 as examples of systems that produced significant rain and wind in the Virgin Islands during otherwise less active years. He also warned that recent dry months have left soils hard and dry, increasing the risk of erosion and flash flooding when heavy rains arrive.
So far in 2026 two systems have been named: Tropical Storm Arthur on June 17 and Tropical Storm Bertha on July 19. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with a statistical peak on September 10 and most activity occurring between mid‑August and mid‑October.
The DDM release includes a graphic showing the CSU August forecast alongside observed 2025 activity and a typical season. For media or editorial enquiries, the DDM listed Chrystall Kanyuck‑Abel, Information & Education Manager, and provided the department’s general contact email and phone numbers in the release. “It’s vital that none of us become complacent, because it only takes one storm system in our area to have a very serious impact,” Mr.
Penn said, thanking those who already prepare routinely and urging others to act now while there is time.
Primary source: BVI Government