The parks affected by the closure include Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted National Historic Site, and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. The NPS has not yet indicated when the parks will reopen, stating that this will depend on the aftermath of the hurricane.
In addition to the closures, the NPS has initiated protective measures to safeguard the parks’ resources and infrastructure. This includes securing all buildings, removing or securing loose items, and implementing emergency plans. The NPS has also urged the public to remain vigilant and heed all safety advisories related to the hurricane.
The NPS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on their website. Visitors planning trips to the parks are advised to check the NPS website for the latest information on park closures and weather conditions.
The closure of the parks comes as Hurricane Erin, a Category 3 hurricane, continues to approach the Caribbean. The hurricane is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potentially dangerous storm surge to the region.