John McCarthy
CHRISTIANSTED — Tropical Storm Isaac was downgraded to a tropical depression on Friday, but it is still bringing lingering rain to parts of southern St. Croix today.
Isaac was expected to bring about two to three inches of additional rainfall to St. Croix, with little effect to St. Thomas and St. John.
Governor Kenneth Mapp advised the public that heavy rains are possible as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the U.S. Virgin Islands, though the weather system is expected to pass more than 120 miles south of St. Croix.
“We do not anticipate experiencing any tropical storm or hurricane force winds, but we could experience rain and will be placed under a flash flood watch,” Mapp said.
Mapp, who spoke with the National Weather Service and Virgin Islands Emergency Management Agency officials again on Friday morning, said two to four inches of rain are expected on St. Croix beginning Thursday evening. If the rain bands persist, the National Weather Service may raise the flash flood watch to a flash flood warning triggering the emergency alert system.
“Please do not be alarmed if you receive an alert on your phone,” the Governor said. “Intermittent rain bands are expected on St. Croix as Isaac passes south of the big island.”
Less rain is predicted for St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island.
“Please stay safe and enjoy the weekend,” Mapp said.
