Floods of April 18, 1983 on St. Thomas and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. John experienced the most intense rainfall event in recorded history on April 18, 1983. Rainfall intensities of 2.5 inches per hour, and more than 16 inches in 18 hours were recorded. Almost instantaneous runoff caused widespread flooding near the coastlines of both islands. Parts of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas were inundated with four feet or more of mud and flood water. Harry S. Truman Airport was flooded for two days with two to three feet of ponded water. On St. John, rural areas near Guinea Guy, Fish Bay, and Coral Bay were flooded.