Hurricanes are part of life in Carolina and Coral Bay, and one well-placed storm can change everything. If you own a home on St. John, you want a simple, local plan you can use fast. This guide gives you a clear checklist for roofs and shutters, cisterns and generators, boats and access, plus who to follow for official updates. Use it to protect your property and your peace of mind. Let’s dive in.
Know your season and risks
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in late summer. You can confirm dates and track storms on the National Hurricane Center site. See NHC season basics.
NOAA issues seasonal outlooks each year that estimate how active the season may be. Even in a quieter year, a single storm can have major impacts. Check the latest CPC outlook when you review your plans.
On St. John, wind is the dominant hazard. Topography can amplify wind speeds on ridgelines and hillsides, which matters for many Carolina homes. Local guidance reflects design wind speeds of 145 mph across the territory. Learn why wind exposure varies.
Heavy rain, storm surge and blocked access can follow any hurricane. After Irma and Maria in 2017, the territory saw widespread infrastructure and housing damage, with some long utility outages. Plan for limited road access and slow services after a strong storm. Review lessons from 2017.
Pre-season home checklist
Roof and openings
- Inspect roof covering, fasteners and roof-to-wall connections. Address loose sheathing or missing flashings.
- Confirm shutters or impact-rated windows are ready and labeled by opening. Reinforce doors and garage doors.
- If you plan upgrades, review permit needs and local building guidance. Start with DPNR resources.
Power, water and septic
- Service and test your generator. Use a transfer switch for whole-home units and store fuel safely outdoors. Read generator safety tips.
- Clean and maintain your cistern and gutters. Keep at least a one-week reserve of potable water per person. If floodwater enters your cistern, follow cleaning and disinfection steps before using it for drinking. Follow CDC cistern guidance.
- Check septic lids, vents and cleanouts. Secure exposed components to prevent displacement.
Trees, debris and access
- Trim trees away from the house and clear gutters and drains. Keep ghuts and private swales unobstructed.
- Secure propane tanks and store outdoor furniture, grills, planters and kayaks indoors or tie them down.
- Keep driveways and gates clear so emergency crews can reach your property after a storm.
Documentation, insurance and flood maps
- Photograph your property and contents and save files to the cloud. Keep deeds, insurance and IDs in a waterproof container.
- Review windstorm coverage and deductibles. If flood coverage makes sense, remember many policies may have a waiting period. Check your flood risk using local maps. View DPNR floodplain maps.
Alerts and local contacts
- Enroll in Alert VI for official territorial alerts and shelter updates. Sign up for Alert VI.
- Save VITEMA contacts for St. John and note nearby shelters. Make a written plan for where you will go if you evacuate.
- If you rent your home, agree on pre-storm steps with your caretaker and share the plan with guests.
Boat and mooring plan in Coral Bay
- Decide in advance whether you will haul out or move to an approved storm mooring or refuge.
- Confirm permits and local rules for storm moorings and Hurricane Hole if you plan to stay in the water.
- Double up on lines, chafe gear and anchors. Practice the sequence so you can secure the vessel quickly. See a local boater prep guide.
72 to 24 hours before landfall
- Top off vehicle tanks and generator fuel. Verify spare propane.
- Bring in or tie down outdoor items. Park vehicles on higher ground away from trees.
- Move important papers and electronics into waterproof bins. Share spare keys with a trusted local contact.
- If advised, close gas tank valves and turn off nonessential breakers. Test sump or bilge pumps and any backups.
- Take date-stamped photos of the property. These help with insurance and FEMA if you have damage. See FEMA guidance.
During the storm
- Shelter in a small interior room on a lower floor, away from windows and glass.
- Avoid coastal areas and do not drive through floodwater, even if it looks shallow.
- Stay put until authorities issue an all clear. Follow VITEMA alerts for any urgent instructions.
- If you planned to evacuate, go early. Ferries and roads can close quickly on St. John.
After the storm
- Reenter only when officials say it is safe. Watch for downed lines, gas odors, unstable structures and contaminated water.
- Document all damage before cleanup. Keep receipts for temporary repairs and report claims promptly. Use FEMA resources for assistance.
- Run portable generators outdoors and away from doors and windows. Never backfeed power. Review generator safety.
- If floodwater reached your cistern, do not drink from it until it is cleaned and disinfected per CDC steps. Follow CDC cistern guidance.
Quick supplies to stage now
- Water and food: at least one week of potable water per person and shelf-stable food.
- Power and light: charged power banks, flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries and a safe fuel supply.
- First aid and sanitation: basic kit, prescription meds, disinfectants and heavy-duty trash bags.
- Tools and materials: tarps, rope, work gloves, duct tape and basic hand tools.
When you keep your Carolina home storm-ready, you protect both your lifestyle and your long-term property value. If you are weighing repairs, upgrades or a future sale or purchase on St. John, let’s talk about timing, costs and market impact. Reach out to Dwight Lascaris for local guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
When is hurricane season on St. John?
- The Atlantic season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in late summer; confirm dates and track systems on the National Hurricane Center site.
How do I decide whether to evacuate or stay in Coral Bay?
- Follow VITEMA alerts and any territorial orders, plan early due to limited ferry capacity and road constraints, and leave before conditions deteriorate if you choose to evacuate; enroll in Alert VI for official updates.
Does flood insurance start right away in the USVI?
- Flood policies may have a waiting period and lenders may require coverage based on flood risk, so review your needs early and check maps through DPNR floodplain resources.
What should Coral Bay boat owners do for a storm?
- Secure a haul-out or approved storm mooring plan in advance, confirm permits and local rules, and double up on lines and anchors; see the local boater hurricane prep guide.
How long could power and services be out after a major storm?
- Restoration varies by event, but 2017 showed that extended outages are possible on St. John, so plan for long-duration impacts to utilities, roads and supplies; review territory recovery lessons here.
