Antares Guests // Storm Advisory
8/14/2024 10:00am Update
Flash flooding is the biggest concern on island at this time. Please avoid driving until conditions have settled. Tropical storm conditions will continue through the rest of the day with heavy rainfall. STT Airport will re-open at 12:00pm. Ports are still closed until further notice. Cell service is impacted on all islands. Power on St. John is currently out. You can track outages here: www.outageviewer.viwapa.vi:7575/
Our team will be making rounds to all villas to check on guests and assess any damage. Please report damage to 321-421-0499.
8/13/2024 5:00pm Update
STT Airport will close at 4:00pm on August 13th and re-open at 10:00am August 14th. The ports will close at 6:00pm August 13th. Ports will re-open when conditions are safe.
Please see important information, storm prep tips and contact details at the bottom of this page.
8/13/2024 - 11:00am update
8/13/2024 - 8:00am update
Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to bring TS conditions to the USVI by late afternoon or evening on Tuesday August 13th and continue through Wednesday.
With this, our crew will be going house to house on Monday and Tuesday to secure properties. We will be bringing outdoor furniture inside and making sure everything else looks okay.
For guests who are departing Wednesday or Thursday, there is a high probability ports will close late Tuesday once high winds arrive. Ports close when the coast guard sets conditions to ZULU. The Coast Guard anticipates setting Port Condition ZULU at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Once ports close, ferry operations will cease. We recommend calling your airlines now about their policy regarding potential storm approaching and scenarios if canceled flights.
We will be in touch with an update, and again with each of you individually as needed. If you will be departing early with this news, just let us know.
What this means for you, our Guest…
One or two our staff will be coming by the property to do a walk-about and possibly move a few things around or inside. So, if you see a few things not as you left it, that was us! :) We will document, so if you have any concerns, please text the office at 321-421-0499.
If you spend any time outside during this weather advisory, please be aware of potential wind gusts.
As of now, VITEMA and Port Authority reporting ports are open. If you are scheduled to depart in the next few days, please monitor closely for changes. You may sign up for VITEMA alerts - see below.
In-House Antares Guests:
What we may be doing at your Villa prior to start of storm conditions:
Moving spare and exposed propane tanks; tuck in and/or lay down.
Moving exterior umbrellas, plants/pots to secure locations.
Moving and/or securing exterior tables; all glass will go Inside.
Chairs and other outdoor furniture may be stowed inside or other designated location.
Some exterior items may be placed inside pool.
Removing bird feeders and exterior decor.
Securing anything that will swing (i.e. gates, chimes, exterior decor).
Checking drains and gutters.
Closing easy shutters in prevailing wind-side.
House specifics — will take pictures and send you FYI items if needed…
Depending on storm development, we may be returning a second time to lock down additional shutters and/or remove screens.
Items you may prep:
Keep closed toe shoes handy…(i.e. not flop flops).
Old towels handy (Antares will pull these out of storage for you) for use on floor for wet feet coming in, and if leaks discovered.
Keep phones fully charged.
Locate match lighter stick (for stove if power goes out).
Consider an extra bag of ice (extra if power goes out).
Make sure plenty of water at the house. Gallons jugs are for purchase at most stores.
Locate all flashlights in house, per room.
Check your gas tank in your car…top off your tank if possible.
Please refer to your Villa App about power outages.
During Storm:
Stay home, do not drive.
Be aware water leaks in house; please use old towels, take picture and report to office via text.
Expect lots of leaves and branches.
Expect falling rocks of all sizes and water run-off.
Report via text to office
Do not go outside during the storm.
Keep windows and doors closed and locked if possible (wind can move them open).
Limit alcohol consumption during the storm and aftermath.
If Power Outage and No Auto Generator/Battery Back up:
Water filtration and pump will not work in power outage. Please do not shower, use faucets or flush toilets. If you run water, you may not have water immediately come back on when power returns.
If you have a pool, you can fill the back of the toilet tank with pool water to flush during an outage.
Limit opening door to fridge and freezer as much as possible.
Solar lamps and battery operated fans are located in the villa.
Post Storm:
Our crew will be coming by as soon as roads safe and we are able. We will notify you via text of any government issued road closures, port closings or curfews.
Report any limbs and rocks that may need to be moved for safety.
After and during rain events we often see “wildlife/bugs” more often... because of disturbed nests. This is island life normal. :)
If branches and leaves are in the pool, and you feel comfortable, please skim pool to help keep filters from clogging and so you may enjoy sooner!
Drive slowly after a rain event; you will see lots of rocks in the road and possible undermined roads.
If we have stowed exterior furniture, please feel free to reset if you want to use immediately. Our crew will be making rounds as soon as conditions are safe to check in and re-set furniture.
Emergencies // Questions // Reporting
Antares guests should text:
Antares main line @ 321-421-0499 and/or Rosanne @ 401-996-6751
VITEMA:
To sign up for or view the Virgin Island Territorial Emergency Management (VITEMA) alerts, visit:
https://vitema.vi.gov/
Follow updates: https://www.facebook.com/vitema
National Hurricane Center: