Seasonal· St John· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Hurricane season & storm planning (St John)
18° 20.4′ N · 64° 45.0′ W · approximate
June to November brings the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, and the park's moorings and anchorages are closed to use when storms threaten.
Practical
Position is the GNIS point for St John (island centroid), for reference only. Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30 (island guide; NPS Compendium); tropical cyclones are most likely in August, September and October (Coast Pilot 5). Hugo (1989) and Donna (1960) both brought winds over 130 knots, and Irma struck St John as a Category 5 in September 2017 (Coast Pilot, Wikipedia). Park rules: NPS moorings are rated for winds under 40 mph and must be vacated when winds of 40 mph or more are forecast; anchoring in the Francis Bay and Lind Point anchorages, Mary's Creek or anywhere in park waters to ride out weather is prohibited; Hurricane Hole storm berths require an annual NPS permit and open only when the superintendent opens them. VITEMA St John office (340) 776-2244; Sea Tow (340) 777-4869; USCG boat emergency (787) 289-2042 (island guide).
Best for
Planning a summer or autumn cruise
Season
Jun 1–Nov 30; peak Aug–Oct