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Puerto Rico (The United States of America) + 1 more

Hurricane Lenny Update

Washington November 19, 1999 -- Initial damage assessments from local officials and FEMA staff indicate Hurricane Lenny's impact was not severe on Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports Lenny has weakened and is now a Category I storm with maximum sustained winds of 95 mph. Early today, the hurricane was located just south of St. Maarten and was nearly stationary. NHC forecasters think Lenny will begin to move to the northeast later in the morning. All storm advisories for the US possessions have been lifted.

St. Croix, USVI, was the most heavily impacted jurisdiction. Power is being restored on the island, although some lines and poles are reported down, especially on the eastern part of the island. Some minor flooding of homes has been reported in both Frederiksted and Christiansted and at least 50 boats were washed onshore on the island. All airports are open, although commercial service has not yet resumed. All communications systems are operational except for a cellular phone company system on St. Croix. Minor road damage is reported from St. Croix and St. Thomas.

Little damage is reported from Puerto Rico. Power restoration is ongoing and there are currently 16,500 customers without power. Approximately 42,000 customers are without water service, down from more than 100,000 yesterday. All ports are open, except San Juan, which is closed due to a barge that ran aground yesterday. The Coast Guard is addressing this situation. Initial surveys indicate approximately 200 homes with damage, though the damage is mostly minor.

The American Red Cross (ARC) reports one shelter open in PR housing 25 people and two shelters open on St. Johns housing 12 people.

Updated: November 19, 1999