Weather: St Lucia witnesses cloudiness, showers and thunderstorms, shut down schools

Castries, St Lucia: The weather conditions are inclement in St Lucia, due to the tropical wave, the lingering moisture and instability will further become the result of cloudiness, showers and possible isolated thunderstorms. The southern half of lesser Antiless will experience thunderstorms during the forecast period. 

Strong tropical is heading westward near 17 mph or 28 km/h as it was located about 950 miles east-southeast of the southern Windward Islands. The conditions related to the environment appear conducive for further development, and a tropical depression could form during the next couple of days. 

Further, there would system that will be forecasted to reach the Windward Islands on Tuesday night. People of the country who are residing in the areas prone to flooding are advised to be cautious, as periods of heavy showers could be caused a high level of flooding in the areas susceptible to this hazard. The government of St Lucia also advised Small craft operators and sea bathers to exercise caution due to brisk winds, locally rough seas and reduced visibility.

The Ministry of Education of the Caribbean country has taken the decision to close all schools Monday, June 27, 2022, due to the inclement weather. 

Chief Education Officer Dr Fiona Philip-Mayer said the decision to suspend school is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone.

“We confirm that we have no school today. The public would have noted that we’ve had rains throughout the night, and so we need to assess the schools as, in some instances, we have had flooding.

“We have liaised with the Saint Lucia Met. Office, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and the Office of the Minister for Education.

“Kindly note that regional examinations, CAPE in particular, continues for the day. For our students writing the CAPE exam, we wish you all the best as you maneuver safely to the exam centres with the support of your parents.”

The Ministry encourages all to remain safe during this rainy period.