Hurricane Irma: Alabama resident trapped on U.S. Virgin Islands reports to Purple Walrus Press Wednesday.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

  Updated Wednesday, Sept 6 at 2:30 pm.

Since 7:45 Wednesday morning, September 6, Purple Walrus Press has been in contact with Klaudia Harris who is trapped at the Westin St. John Resort & Villas, U.S. Virgin Islands as Hurricane Irma bears down on them. Klaudia is trapped at the resort with her mom, stepdad and boyfriend. Klaudia and her family are from Alabama.

Earlier this morning I asked Klaudia what the Westin Resort is doing to prepare people who are trapped there for the Hurricane, and if she is planning on staying at the resort for the entire duration of the storm. According to Klaudia, "There is approximately 350 people left at the resort. They have moved us to higher ground about 60-70 feet above sea level in the highest part of the resort.. The Westin is allowing us to stay here free of charge until the ports open back up. It's against the law to kick us out during something like this." Of the 350 people trapped at the resort, Klaudia is not sure how many of them are from the mainland U.S.

At approximately 8:45 Wednesday morning, Klaudia told me that they were being told that the Hurricane was expected to hit at around 2:00 pm Wednesday.

I checked in again with Klaudia at approximately 10:55 am Wednesday. At that time Klaudia told me that they are, "Doing ok right now." According to Klaudia, at 10:55 am Wednesday, " Winds are picking up, expecting 150+."

I will continue to be in contact with Klaudia Harris throughout the hurricane. Stay tuned for updates.

Update Wednesday, September 6 at 1:00 pm.

The latest information reported from Klaudia Harris roughly two hours ago was that winds were getting very bad at about 65 miles an hour, and that the storm was expected to arrive at noon. At that time Klaudia stated that they were ok, but there was already some damage. I contacted again her at approximately 1:00 pm Wed and am currently waiting to hear back from her. Stay tuned for updates.

Update Wednesday, Sept 6 at 2:30 pm.

As of 2:30 pm Sept 6, I have lost contact with Klaudia Harris due to no service and I assume, lack of power. Stay tuned.