Tropical wave downs trees, damages houses

Immediate damage assessments have begun across the island after severe thunderstorms, gusty winds and moderate to heavy showers generated by a tropical wave affected the island into the early hours of this morning.

Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams said initial reports revealed there are fallen trees which have rendered some roads impassable and power outages particularly in the north of the island.

Barbados TODAY has also received reports of some damaged homes in St Joseph and St Andrew.

Abrahams said: “We will continue our damage assessment and report to you the full impact on Barbados and when you can expect normal services.”

Earlier, the Ministry of Education instructed that schools should remain closed and classes be held online.

Abrahams has appealed to affected citizens to reach out to the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) for help.

He said: “Persons who are observing damage or persons who have been affected by the tropical wave last night, please  call the DEM (Department of Emergency Management) at 438-7575 and make your report so that we can know exactly how you are being affected and figure out the best way to assist you.”

The Barbados Meteorological Services said the tail end of the tropical wave is likely to still affect the island this morning.

Acting Meteorologist Racquel Gilkes told Barbados TODAY: “We expect conditions to remain cloudy to overcast for the time being into this afternoon. We can expect improvements as the tropical wave continues westward away from the Eastern Caribbean.

“There won’t be thunderstorms but there is still the possibility of high gusts; we are still recording some very brisk winds at the airport, just a few light to moderate, occasional showers for the morning half of the day.”