Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands brace for impact of Tropical Storm Dorian
The United States territories of Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands found themselves under a tropical storm warning, bracing for the impact of what is now Tropical Storm Dorian, expected to hit their region on Wednesday. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
While initially the National Hurricane Center forecasted the storm to pass south of Puerto Rico, the latest update on Tuesday August 27 had the storm’s eye passing directly over Puerto Rico’s main island, meaning the entirety of the territory would feel the storm’s effects. Winds are expected to be around 50 mph, with 4-6 inches expected across Puerto Rico, and 1-3 inches in the US Virgin Islands.
In several press conferences, Puerto Rico officials led by Governor Wanda Vazquez (NPP, D) urged preparation and calm as she announced an executive order declaring a state of emergency which allows for the quick deployment of Puerto Rico’s National Guard. Likewise, a price-freeze order was instituted on essential items including gasoline.
Recibiendo junto a la comisionada @RepJenniffer y el componente de seguridad y respuesta, un reporte actualizado sobre las acciones del Gobierno ante el paso de #Dorian por la zona. Trabajamos para que los recursos federales estén disponibles y que la respuesta sea efectiva. pic.twitter.com/VjvNKq5c37
— Wanda Vázquez Garced (@wandavazquezg) August 27, 2019
The preparations in both island territories prompted callbacks to the emergency after Hurricane María wreaked havoc. Aware of the potential disruptions, many in Puerto Rico flocked to stores to stock on on essentials, causing shortages of water in some areas. In addition classes have been cancelled Wednesday in all public schools, and across private school systems.
Someone sent me this photo from inside the Sam’s Club in Mayagüez Puerto Rico, which is on the western side of the island. They have run out of bottled water but they still have gallons of water. #TropicalStormDorian pic.twitter.com/xA81jYLCKH
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) August 26, 2019
In the US Virgin Islands the response from officials has been more muted, given that a direct impact is not expected. Nonetheless dangerous conditions are possible across the islands.
Donald Trump weighs in
As news spread about Puerto Rico bracing for another storm, President Donald Trump weighed in on Twitter, once again lying about the amount that has been approved for the territory. Repeating the repeatedly debunked lie that $92 billion have been approved, while also seemingly implying that Puerto Rico could somehow control the storms affecting the area.
Wow! Yet another big storm heading to Puerto Rico. Will it ever end? Congress approved 92 Billion Dollars for Puerto Rico last year, an all time record of its kind for “anywhere.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2019
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