Governor Albert Bryan Jr. confirmed at 8:10 a.m. Thursday that all local government operations, including public schools, are closed for the day due to worsening weather conditions across the Virgin Islands. “I am driving around the island and it is really bad,” the governor said, adding that additional rainfall is expected to linger.
The National Weather Service earlier issued a flash flood warning for the Virgin Islands, in effect until 10:00 a.m. The advisory described the situation as dangerous and potentially life-threatening, urging residents to avoid travel unless evacuating from flood-prone areas or under official evacuation orders.
Before the governor’s directive, the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) issued statements maintaining that schools would remain open. At 7:35 a.m., VIDE said government operations were continuing and that campuses would be monitored for weather or power issues throughout the day.
The department repeated that stance at 7:51 a.m., responding to a social media post that incorrectly claimed schools had been closed. Parents and guardians were advised to rely on official VIDE platforms for accurate announcements.
Despite VIDE’s announcements, some parents reported that students were turned back at several schools on St. Croix, including St. Croix Central High School, the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, and the Eulalie Rivera K-9 School. Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington said she was in communication with her team and that an update would follow.
Meanwhile, Freewill Baptist School on St. Croix canceled classes Thursday morning, citing thunder, lightning, and worsening weather. The school apologized to families for the late notice.
With the governor’s order now in effect, all government offices and schools are closed across the territory. Officials continue to monitor conditions, stressing that residents should stay off the roads, remain cautious, and follow official updates as the weather system moves through the islands.
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