Barbados public and private schools close due to heavy rains

The Barbados government Monday announced the closure of private and public schools as heavy rains associated with the passage of a tropical wave continue to affect the island.

A statement from the Ministry of Education said all schools, including the Community College and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic as well as private schools and nurseries, have been ordered closed as a result of the rains that have caused flooding in several parts of the island.

So far there have been no reports of injuries or destruction caused by the flood waters.

The Barbados Meteorological Services said the tropical wave was interacting with an upper-level low and trough over the Eastern Caribbean has been generating some pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, thunderstorms and occasional gusty winds across the island.

In neighbouring Grenada, the citizens were being warned to be prepared for the passage of the tropical wave.

The Meteorological Office said there was also a medium chance of flooding and landslide in vulnerable areas.