Christiansted (US Virgin Islands): Heavy rains and winds pummeled St Croix on Wednesday as the outer edge of powerful Hurricane Omar drenched the island, stranding motorists on flooded roads and forcing workers to shut down a giant oil refinery.
Forecasters said Omar grew into a Category 2 hurricane with top winds of 105 mph (170 kph) late yesterday and was expected to continue strengthening as it barreled toward the US and British Virgin Islands.
In nearby Puerto Rico, residents flocked to stores to stock up on supplies and jammed roads after government offices and businesses shut down early. One death was reported on Puerto Rico s tiny island of Culebra. Authorities say a 55-year-old man collapsed from cardiac arrest while trying to install storm shutters on his house.
US Virgin Islands Gov John deJongh closed all public schools, told government employees to head home at midmorning and imposed a 6 pm curfew for all islands. He also activated the National Guard.
"Take this very seriously," he said. "Folks are out right now doing their last minute shopping, and that s understandable. Once that s done, we encourage them to go home."
Police already rescued several stranded motorists from flooded roads by late Wednesday afternoon. Police Commissioner James H McCall warned that anyone found on the roads after curfew would be taken into custody.
Jerry Comparitivo, a teacher who lives in St Croix, said he could see dark clouds gathering as the sun set.
"I am tying up the loose ends right now, and getting ready with my family to hunker down for what could be a very eventful night," he said.
