VITEMA

A warm heartfelt congratulations to VITEMA St. Croix Employee of the Year Dari-Lee Jacobs- ECC 911 Operator. We are grateful for you and all your efforts for the territory.

Community preparedness in action! Yesterday, VITEMA teamed up with Oriental Bank St. Thomas for a Tsunami Ready Supporter Presentation and Drill — equipping employees with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their customers when it matters most. Special shoutout to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services for their partnership and presence on the ground! 💙🧡

5 days until hurricane season begins. Is your family ready? Now is the time to build your kit, know your zone, and have a plan. Don't wait.

Join VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen and WTJX NPR's Neville James for Atlantic Hurricane Season Radio Talk on Analyze This— airing every last Wednesday of the month at 8 AM during Atlantic Hurricane Season. Each conversation delivers timely hurricane preparedness guidance to keep Virgin Islands communities informed and ready throughout the season.

In honor of Memorial Day, VITEMA offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.

On this solemn day, we pause to remember and honor the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their bravery and dedication secured the freedoms we hold dear.

Normal office operations will resume Tuesday, May 26. For emergencies, please call 911.

From our VITEMA family to yours — have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day

🌀 NOAA has released its 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook — and while the forecast is below normal, VITEMA wants to remind our community: it only takes ONE storm.

Here's what NOAA is forecasting for this season (June 1 – November 30):
📊 8–14 named storms
🌀 3–6 hurricanes
💨 1–3 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5)

The below-normal outlook is largely driven by the expected development of El Niño, which tends to suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic. However, warmer-than-normal Atlantic ocean temperatures and weaker trade winds could still support storm development.

⚠️ A below-normal season does NOT mean a safe season. The USVI has seen firsthand what a single storm can do.

Now is the time to:
✅ Review your family emergency plan
✅ Stock your emergency supply kit
✅ Know your shelter options
✅ Stay informed through Alert VI
Hurricane season starts June 1. Don't wait — prepare today.
📲 Sign up for Alert VI alerts at vitema.vi.gov

Heat Awareness Week Continues:
☀️ The heat is no joke in the VI! Before you head outside, remember: drink plenty of water, apply sunscreen, seek shade often, and wear light-colored clothing. Protect yourself and your family this season.