Non-Essential Government Employees and Public School Students Dismissed at Noon Today Due to Threat of Continued Inclement Weather

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has authorized the early dismissal of both public school students and non-essential government employees territory-wide at 12 noon today. “The decision was made after consultation with members of the Cabinet, Lt. Governor Gregory Francis and based on guidance from the National Weather Service (NWS) as regards the continued impact of a cold front weather system across the Virgin Islands for the rest of the day today,” said Government House Director of Communications Jean Greaux, Jr. 

The NWS advised that additional showers are in store for the St. Thomas-St. John district today and the heavy rains which affected St. Thomas and St. John this morning were headed for St. Croix and are expected to make landfall in the early afternoon. “As a result of this forecast, Governor de Jongh erred on the side of caution and authorized the early dismissal of public school students and non-essential government employees,” Greaux said. 

Parents are advised the pick up their children from the respective public school campuses once the dismissal has taken place and avoid being on the roadways whenever possible. Low level flooding was reported in both the islands of St. Thomas and St. John this morning and Public Works road crews were on site at all locations clearing drains to allow drainage of rainwater and the effort will continue until all roads are fully passable. 

At 11 a.m. today, both districts were reporting light rain with temperatures in the low to mid 70’s. St. Thomas was experiencing southeasterly winds while St. Croix was experiencing north winds. Weather radar showed active weather all around the U.S. Virgin Islands just before the midday hour.

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