BVI On Shutdown as Tropical Storm Philippe Strikes

Government buildings, schools and businesses are closed on Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Philippe which continues to bring heavy downpours across the British Virgin Islands.

The territory is currently under a flash-flood warning, which will remain in effect throughout October 4.

The government has issued a statement advising residents to exercise caution as thunderstorms, flash flooding, and strong winds are expected throughout the day.

“The Virgin Islands is under a flash-flood warning. As Tropical Storm Phillipe continues to affect the Territory, thunderstorms, flash flooding and strong winds are expected throughout the day,” a government statement said.

Tropical Storm Philippe, which originated over 10 days ago in the Atlantic Ocean, is projected to bring significant rainfall, potentially reaching up to a foot, across the territory and certain parts of the Leeward Islands.

Having made landfall on Barbuda on Monday, October 2, the storm is currently centred approximately 120 miles northeast of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. Peak winds are estimated to be around 45 mph.

Residents are strongly urged to remain indoors and be mindful of the life-threatening rip currents occurring along portions of the Atlantic coasts of the northern Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico throughout the middle of this week.

Philippe is the 16th named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season and the 17th to achieve tropical storm status.