Posted on 09/06/2017 10:47:32 AM PDT by Red Badger
BILLIONAIRE Richard Branson has refused to leave his private Necker Island in the British Virgin Island despite Hurricane Irma threatening to strike.
Virgin boss Mr Branson said he would not leave the island he owns to escape the Hurricane Irma storm, which is becoming one of the largest on record, bringing with it 185mph winds.
The National Hurricane Centre has warned the rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods, torrential rain, fierce winds and mudslides.
Earlier today the hurricane was upgraded to a Category 5 storm.
Writing on his blog, Mr Branson said: “The devastation that hurricanes can cause cannot be overstated.
“Generally speaking, we have one hurricane in the British Virgin Islands around every 10 years.
“Fortunately, most of them drift north of us, but this one is coming straight for us, with the eye of the storm heading straight for Necker, Moskito Island and Virgin Gorda.
“Obviously things can change – hopefully they do, as a category five hurricane hasn’t hit the BVI full on before.”
The businessman said Necker Island does have really strong buildings with hurricane blinds, but he admitted almost nothing can withstand the strongest of storms.
He said: “I will be on Necker along side our team, as I have been on the three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years.”
Mr Branson urged people in the British Virgin Islands to follow advice and head to shelters when the hurricane arrives.
He said: “I am also concerned for the wonderful wildlife of the BVI, not least on Necker and Moskito, where many flamingos, lemurs, scarlet ibis and other stunning species live.
“Hopefully all people and animals can keep out of harm’s way in the coming days.”
Mr Branson said Hurricane Irma was a sign of the effects of climate change on the world.
He said: “The damage caused by Harvey all over Texas is a tragic and costly reminder that our climate is changing and that we are not doing enough to tackle this enormous challenge.”
Hurricane Irma is expected to strengthen even more over the next 48 hours.
[Predicted waves at the eye are estimated to be 50 feet plus.]
Does he have a submarine? There’s the Dutch guy but people tended to lose their head, their arms and their legs on the first ride. Well, one of them did.
lol
He may be confident in the structure, and perhaps for good cause.
When it comes to nature, you just don’t disregard it’s power.
At 185 miles per hour and the resulting torrential driving deluge, I don’t think it’s a wise choice to stay there.
Perhaps he sees it as a way to gain bragging rights.
Foolish IMO.
That would be rare, if true.
Pancreatic cancers are typically fatal..................
Well, he can stay till The Bitter End... LOL
I just got tea all over my screen. LOL
Be something if the hurricane uncovers bodies....
That’s true. From what I understand, the cancer spreads throughout the body before it’s detected. So I assume a curable form would be isolated to the pancreas.
IIRC, Patrick Swayze died of Pancreatic cancer..................
If not it’s being used by some underworld spy or the wife of a close friend.
Is Foxx’s still there on on the south beach of JVD?
Well I hear he went to Saratoga, and his horse, naturally, won.....................
Banned? Flogged! </Patton>
Foxy's, too. It's about four feet above sea level.
Foxy’s was still there our last trip down to the islands. 2013, January I think.
There was a Foxy's on Great Harbor; could that be what you're thinking of? We spent the day on White Bay beach, a bit to the west. The two bars I remember there were the Soggy Dollar and the One Love.
Seems that a mountaintop, or someplace like Nebraska, would be more appropriate.
But, I suppose that the irony is lost on someone as witless as him.
Regulations to control AGW are for ‘Little People’.....................
I suspect he has a fortified bunker, too.
Like hurricanes have never been around before now?
What a bunch of bull pucky.
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