Major roads have been cleared and power is back on in most areas following a major thunderstorm over the Virgin Islands early Thursday morning.
Acting Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering said the turbulent weather represents “changing weather patterns which we continue to observe.”
“Similar circumstances occurred in 2003 when two systems combined to produce thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in excess of four inches in a 12-hour period,” he said.
Dr. Pickering added that the storm could be just one of many during an active hurricane season.
“This event is occurring early in the hurricane season and may be an indication of what is to come as waters in the Atlantic are warm now and there is evidence of several waves being generated off the coast of Africa.”
Teams from the Public Works Department were deployed early Thursday morning to address road blockages, particularly in the area of Belle Vue.
As of 5 p.m. Thursday electricity had been restored to most areas except for some parts of Georges Northside, Spooners, Harrigan, Long Look, Lambert, Hawks Nest and Virgin Gorda.
According to a government press release, BVI Electricity Corporation teams will continue works until all power is restored throughout the territory.
Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool reminded homeowners to check around their properties, especially cistern water outflows and other areas that may become destabilised as a result of excessive rainfall.
The Antigua Meteorological Office lifted the Flash Flood Warning at noon today.
However, across the VI there is a high chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout Thursday and into the night.
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