Photo Credit: National Hurricane Centre

Photo Credit: National Hurricane Centre

Governor Boyd McCleary has issued an "all clear" for the Virgin Islands as most of Tropical Storm Isaac passed last evening without any reports of major damage.

The decision means that all Government employees are expected to be at work this morning. Banks have also announced that they will be opened at the usual times today.

"We had a reasonably peaceful night; there have been some gusting winds and some rains, but power remained on and there were no reports of serious problems," the Governor stated via radio this morning, August 23.

However, as a result of squall-like conditions and rain bands which continue to rotate throughout the area, the Antigua Meteorological Office has continued the Tropical Storm Warning for the Virgin Islands until further notice.

The Governor said that roads are cleared and officials expect water to be restored shortly. He added that because the power is on, officials do not see any reason why they should not announce an all clear.

"I have done that with effect from 7:00 am. So we are now all clear from the storm and Government offices should be back to usual today. So I would like to ask all Government officers to return to work this morning, but one thing is that residents should be careful while driving because of the likelihood of ongoing winds. And sea conditions have deteriorated somewhat so crafts should remain in port and other vessels should exercise the same caution," the Governor stated.

As it relates to damages, the Governor said that reports do not suggest that anything substantial occurred.

"Basically we are back to business as normal. We expect the water to be back on soon. We prepared for the worst; hoped for the best and we seemed to have managed reasonably well and fingers crossed, there will be some further gusty rains today and wind, but it shouldn't be too bad," the Governor pointed out.

All sea ports are open throughout the Territory for commercial vessels, but for ferry services, the public is asked to contact the individual ferry providers. The Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport is open for business.

"Please continue to monitor ZBVI, ZCCR, ZKING, ZROD, CBN Channel 51 and all online media. For regular updates please visit bviddm.com and subscribe for information. Also, you can follow us on Facebook," the Governor stated.