A car became trapped in floodwaters in the Gallows Bay area on Thursday morning as a flash flood warning remained in effect until 10:00 a.m. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM.
The V.I. Police Department is warning residents to exercise extreme caution on Thursday as hazardous weather has led to flooding across the territory.
In line with Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s directive, all government offices and public schools are closed for non-essential employees. Residents are being strongly encouraged to remain indoors and avoid all unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
VIPD officers are patrolling and assessing road conditions across all districts while coordinating with the Department of Public Works. Their focus is on identifying and responding to areas where flooding and other hazards have made travel dangerous.
Safety Tips for Motorists
- To minimize risks, the department issued several safety reminders:
- Do not drive through flooded areas, as even a few inches of water can cause vehicles to stall or drivers to lose control.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance since wet roads reduce traction and lengthen stopping time.
- Avoid nighttime travel, when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
- Stay informed by monitoring local news, weather updates, and government advisories for real-time road closure and emergency instructions.
The department stressed that it will continue providing updates as conditions evolve and urged residents to rely on official government channels and local media for accurate information.
For emergencies, residents should call 911 immediately. Non-emergency assistance can be reached at (340) 774-2211 for St. Thomas and St. John, or (340) 778-2211 for St. Croix.
“Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay indoors,” the department advised.
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