All national park units on the island of St. Croix planned to close Friday due to the approach of Hurricane Erin.
The closures include Christiansted National Historic Site, Buck Island Reef National Monument, and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, as well as associated facilities and concession operations.
Visitors were told to leave by 5 p.m. local time and urged to find a safe location to ride out the storm. Tourists were advised to contact their lodging or airline companies for guidance.
St. Croix is in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are part of the Leeward Islands. The area sits just south of Puerto Rico where the northeastern Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean meet.
Erin, the first named hurricane of the season, was forecast to pass near or north of the Leewards Friday into Saturday packing heavy rain and gusty winds, according to the National Hurricane Center.
"With Hurricane Erin threatening the northern Caribbean, and coming uncomfortable close to the island of St Croix, we must begin safeguarding human life and park assets now," Superintendent Angelita Alvino said. "The safety of our guests, staff and neighbors is my top priority and closing the parks is the first step to ensuring that as we implement our storm plans.”
The St Croix sites will remain closed until the storm passes and staff have an opportunity to assess any damage, mitigate post-storm hazards, and safely support the return of staff and guests.
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