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Weather
Links Weather in the British Virgin Islands The climate of the BVI is considered subtropical with average temperatures of 26 to 31 degrees C (79 to 88 degrees F) in the summer to 22 to 28 degrees C (72 to 82 degrees F) in the winter. Average annual rainfall is 27 inches. By most standards, our weather forecasts can become a little boring as our typical regional forecast goes something like this: "Sunny today with temperatures in the high 70's or low 80's with winds of 8 to 15 knots." However, there are some variations from time to time and it is always wise for sailors to be apprised of current weather conditions. With that in mind, here are a few good weather links to check out! *
The Caribbean Weather Center Local
Storm Reports In The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are at times subject to Tropical Storms and Hurricanes. The official hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th, however the large majority of storm activity has historically occurred in September. Having said that, we have experienced hurricanes in recent years in July as well as November. A hurricane is a tropical storm consisting of a low pressure area of circular rotation and constant winds of 74 MPH or more. There are 5 categories of hurricane strength and intensity identified by the Saffir-Simpson scale: The following is a guideline only of the type of damage which can be expected in the British Virgin Islands at the various levels of sustained wind velocity. Category 1 - Sustained winds of 74 to 95 MPH
Category 2 - Sustained winds of 96 to 110 MPH
Category 3 - Sustained winds of 111 to 130 MPH
Category 4 - Sustained winds of 131 to 155 MPH
Category 5 - Sustained winds of 156 MPH & over
Depending upon the intensity of any storm and the amount of rain accompanying it, there will likely be temporary road closures (usually less than a day in mild cases) while debris is being cleared away. In the British Virgin Islands, we are subject to rock slides which are a result of intense rainfall which erodes the topsoil and loosens the rocks. The government operated Office for Disaster Preparedness (ODP) is exceptionally well prepared and mobilizes forces within hours of a storm to ensure the quick removal of debris from the road systems. Electricity is often shut down several hours before a storm is due to impact the islands. These planned shut downs are in everyone's best interest to protect against accidental electrocution. If the storm is minor, electricity will likely be restored within a day of the storm and sometimes within hours. However, the process of checking each and every line for failure or damage is time consuming and we ask that visitors be patient. The Most Commonly Asked Question About Hurricanes: Q. What if I
book my trip for August or September and there is a hurricane looming
in the distance. Can I get my money back from the charter company, hotel
or resort? In most cases, the company you are dealing with will decide if it is necessary to cancel your trip or not. They will not cancel or allow you to cancel due to a tropical storm because (after all) ... it is just a storm and poses no serious threat. It is possible that your flight may be delayed due to a tropical storm and that is where "Trip Interruption Insurance" comes in handy. Although you do not have to cancel your trip altogether, it is possible that you may miss a day. With trip interruption insurance, you can recoup your costs for whatever time period lost. Hurricanes pose a different set of circumstances to tropical storms. If there is a serious hurricane threat to the islands, we will know about it well in advance. If you have not yet left for your holiday, chances are that the company you are dealing with may cancel your booking. In this event, your deposit fees paid to date will likely be held as a credit against a future booking. (Once again, each company offers a different policy and you would be wise to find out what that policy is prior to booking). If a hurricane threatens to impact the islands while you are already here, you may be asked to evacuate your hotel ... or not. (Each hotel or property owner has their own policy and it may depend upon the severity of the storm). Charter companies will recall all yachts in order to prepare them for "storm readiness" and you will have no option but to either find a hotel room or leave the islands on the earliest flight available. The charter company will assist you in making arrangements. Many charter companies will allow you to rebook any days lost at a future date, but are not obliged to refund your monies as that is what Trip Insurance is for. Low or off season rates are offered for a reason and anyone traveling through hurricane season should be prepared for the possibility of trip cancellation or trip interruption as a result. Hazards in the British Virgin Islands Land Hazards (Animals,
Snakes, Bugs & Plant Life) Land Hazards Animals &
Snakes: Sand Fleas, Sand
Flies, No-See-Ums, Gnats, Mosquitoes, etc.: There are many bug repellents available which we recommend using before the biting starts. Some people report that Avon's Skin So Soft, Skedaddle or Off Skintastic do not work for them, although others claim differently. If using a product with Deet, (such as Deep Woods Off) concentration should be no greater than 30-35% for adults or 6-10% for children. Do not apply repellent to hands, or near your eyes or mouth. I am a firm believer in Vitamin use. If you start taking thiamine (vitamin B1) three times a day with your meals (25mg to 50 mg) about 2 weeks before arriving in the islands, this will "help" to reduce your appeal to various stinging and biting insects. There are also natural products available online, such as Burt's Bees, Lemon Grass Insect Lotion which, although I have never used it, a good friend of mine swears by it and it contains no toxins. Sand fleas, sand flies, gnats, etc. actually sting rather than bite and reactions to the stings vary by individual. Usually, the more often one is bitten, the lesser the reaction will become as the body builds up a tolerance to the various poisons. Some of us simply dance about when stung and then a small red (or white) blotch appears on the skin, producing an annoying itch which can last several hours. Others who have not been bitten very often may have much more serious reactions which can manifest in large red (or white) blotches and can be very painful and terribly itchy. The problem with these creatures is that if there is one of them ... there are generally thousands in the area and, if not protected, you will become dinner to a host of little beasties. Prevention: Most (small) stinging insects are mainly nocturnal and do not like the heat of the day. Sand fleas/flies will bury themselves in the sand until it is cool enough to come out and feed. Many species of Mosquito also come out when the sun is not too hot and they don't care much for wind either. The best solution to the problem of stinging insects is prevention. Mosquitoes are horrible little creatures which can transfer yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, and several other diseases from one person to another. (No ... they do not transfer HIV or the AIDS virus). If on or near a beach in the early morning hours or after the sun begins to go down, wear light weight, long sleeved pants and shirts with shoes and socks as opposed to sandals. It is best to stay away from brightly coloured clothing as mosquitoes are attracted to colourful things resembling flowers. (They also feed on nectar.) Do NOT use any scented lotions, shampoos, perfumes, after shave products or deodorants. Various odors are a magnet for mosquitoes This includes body odour, so bathe regularly. There are several products available in lotion and spray form. Doctors are very concerned about the use of Deet (as it is toxic by nature) and recommend that a composite of Deet, R-326 and MGK-264 be used. Spray permethrin on clothing as some mosquitoes are able to sting through some clothing. This can be found at various outdoor stores and camping supply shops. Treatment: Unfortunately and as with the preventative sprays and lotions, not all treatments work for all people. You may have to try various remedies to soothe the pain, itching and swelling. Do not rub or scratch any sting. Sting Care Wipes, which are soaked in benzocaine anesthetic will help reduce itch and pain if used shortly after being stung. (Bring these with you). If you forget to buy the wipes, use rubbing alcohol. Gin or Vodka wiped over the area will also help if you have it handy. Motrin, Advil and Alleve will help to reduce swelling, pain and fever as well. Some people (like me) prefer natural products such as evening primrose oil (taken orally) to help reduce symptoms. If all else fails, try Calamine Lotion or a plaster made of baking soda and water. Both are pretty yucky to deal with, but they work by drawing out the toxins from below the skin. In severe cases, antihistamines, anti-itching compounds, anti-inflammatory medicines or topical steroid creams may be used. See the local pharmacist for over the counter applications or visit a doctor if prescription drugs are recommended. Note: If our readers have suggestions for the best "preventative" products visitors should use, please feel free to write us and we will add them to this section. Plant Life: No, we don't have any man eating plants, however, the common oleander bush and elephant ears are both poisonous if ingested ... so don't go munching on the plants and shrubs of the BVI unless you know what they are! Perhaps the most dangerous shrub/tree is the Manchioneel (or poison apple tree). This tree is most often found near beaches. Contact with the Manchioneel's sap, leaves or fruit will produce severe skin irritation and the fruit is poisonous if ingested. Unsuspecting travelers have fallen victim to the Manchioneel when using the tree as shelter from the rain. The water runs of its leaves and onto the skin. This will produce the same result as touching the leaves directly and can be extremely dangerous if droplets get in your eyes. The best way to avoid contact with the Manchioneel is to never use trees for shelter when it rains unless you know what type the tree is. If you must use trees for shelter, you will find any number of sea grapes in the BVI and their large, round leaves offer great cover. Sea Hazards Jelly Fish & Sea Wasps: Moon jellies, Man O' War and Box jelly fish or sea wasps are not terribly common in the BVI but sometimes appear shortly after a severe storm or hurricane. Stings from the sea wasp can be very serious and can sometimes produce symptoms which include difficulty breathing. Should anyone in your party be stung by a sea wasp, call V.I.S.A.R. immediately for emergency medical advise or assistance. In severe cases, medical attention may me required. Fire Coral & Sea Urchins: When snorkelling or scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands, it is wise not to touch or step on any part of a reef. There are several varieties of fire coral which can cause severe skin irritation. Oh yes ... if you see any sea creatures with spines, its generally a good idea not to touch them either! Ciguatera - Fish Poisoning Before you go fishing in the British Virgin Islands (or any tropical or sub tropical area), you should be aware of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning. Ciguatera is caused by a marine organism which is ingested by small reef fish, which in turn are ingested by other, larger fish and so it travels up through the food chain. Barracuda are the most commonly known carriers of this disease. Fish which have never been known to carry the disease in the British Virgin Islands are Wahoo, Tuna and Mahi-mahi (also called Dolphin). Ciguatera can produce the following symptoms which may last days, weeks or even months:
In order to err on the side of caution and to avoid falling victim to this very serious and debilitating disease, please adhere to the following general guidelines when fishing:
If you suspect that you or any member of your party may have contracted the disease, seek medical help immediately and keep any uneaten fish for testing purposes. Please contact the
Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour at (284) 494-3701 (ext. 2147)
for further Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance
For instance ... what if someone in your party takes ill at the last minute? What if you get fogged in or snowed in at the airport? What if there is a hurricane on the horizon and it looks as though it is heading to where you intend to travel? What if one member of your party is hurt or becomes ill while on vacation? Anything can happen and it is the smart traveler who is prepared for these possibilities, however unlikely they may be. Whether you use
a travel agent or book your own trip, you can purchase Trip Cancellation
and Trip Interruption Insurance. We know of several good companies offering
reasonable prices and good coverage plans. Travel Insurance is worth
its weight in gold ... don't leave home without it! Here are a few companies
our customers have dealt with and report excellent service and pricing: Travel
Guard Travel
Insured Global Care
(Temporarily
offline) Please share your experiences with us. If you have used trip insurance in the past and know of a good company with excellent rates, comprehensive coverage and which lives up to the policies offered, please let us know and we will add them to our list.
BVI
Chamber Of Commerce & Hotel Association
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