Due to the anticipated adverse weather conditions forecasted for today, Thursday, June 6, 2024, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has advised the closure of all public schools in the territory. Photo: DDM/Facebook

To ensure continued learning, teachers are required to issue assignments via online platforms. Photo: Team of Reporters

All Government Offices are open for full operations to clients. Photo: Team of Reporters

The public has since been notified of the closure via a letter from Acting Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe.

“This decision is to ensure the safety of our students and staff as heavy rainfall due to thunderstorms are expected to impact the territory throughout the day. Students and teachers are asked to remain at home,” Mrs Crabbe stated.

To ensure continued learning, teachers are required to issue assignments via online platforms.

At least one private school, BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, has also switched to remote learning today.

Gov’t offices to open

Meanwhile, all Government Offices are open for full operations to clients.

A letter from the Office of the Deputy Governor to Civil Service leaders stated that without impacting the delivery of services, the Flexible Working Arrangement Policy should be activated for eligible officers who are unable to report to work, to allow for the continuity of services.

“At midday today, a further assessment will be made to determine our next steps in light of the rainfall currently impacting the Territory. During these times, please priortise your safety and wellbeing, ensuring the protection of yourselves and your families. Continue to monitor the Department of Disaster Management's channels and exercise extreme caution throughout the day,” the bulletin stated.

More rain expected; Flash flood advisory in effect- DDM

DDM has said a relatively stable and hazy air mass associated with a high pressure ridge will continue to sit across the area and restrict shower activity over and around the Leeward during the next 24 hours.

It also said a persistent deep layered trough will continue to produce numerous shower and thunderstorm activity across the VI during that time.

Rainfall accumulations could exceed 37.8mm or 1.5 inches during the forecast period, hence the flash flood advisory will remain in place until midday today.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Public Works Department is asking all persons who do not have a justifiable reason to be on the roads to please stay at home until the weather passes "for your safety" and that of others including emergency and clean-up workers.