All clear! Tropical Storm Isaias passes with no major damage! BVI remains under storm warning

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Governor Augustus Jaspert has issued an ‘all clear’ for the territory now that Tropical Storm Isaias passed leaving no major reported damage to the British Virgin Islands.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 30, he said this also meant that he felt ‘comfortable’ in ‘standing down’ the National Emergency Operating Centre as of 5:30 am this morning.

“At 5 am, the system was approximately 230 miles southwest of the Virgin Islands. Because showers and squally conditions associated with the outer bands of Isaias may continue into today, we remain under Tropical Storm Warning. Still, at this point, I feel comfortable in saying that as we had hoped and prayed, we’ve been spared by this particular system,” the governor stated.

“I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to those of you who helped the territory prepare for this system. In the public service, there was diligent work to ensure that all arrangements were in order ahead of time and that equipment was positioned to respond if needed. There was also admirable adherence to the instructions laid out by the Deputy Governor to ensure that public assets would be protected and public officers would not be out in potentially hazardous conditions,” he further said.

Normal work resumes

As persons return to work, Governor Jaspert said they should take extra care as the Public Works Department will be clearing the roadways of any debris.

Like Premier Andrews Fahie, the governor urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to monitor weather conditions as the territory moves into the peak of the hurricane season.

“All indications are that the season will continue to be an active one. Please stay safe and take care,” he stated.

The Department of Disaster Management said in its latest update the storm was moving west-northwest at 21 miles per hour (mph). It said this movement is expected to continue for the next several days.

The maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts and squalls producing heavy rainfall, and gusty winds remain as the outer bands of the weather system may continue to affect the territory.

A small craft warning is still in effect.