Tropical Storm Elsa upgraded to a category one hurricane and became the first hurricane since 1955 to hit the country of Barbados when it impacted the island in the early morning of Friday July 2.
An article from Barbados Today news agency confirmed that Elsa upgraded to a hurricane around 8am with heavy rains and maximum sustained winds of near 74 miles per hour.
However, after approximately an hour later, Elsa downgraded back to a tropical storm after it had weakened.
According to the article, there are reports of widespread families trapped in their homes, collapsed homes, blown roof tops, water and power outages along with many impassable roadways.
Speaking on the system, Barbados’ Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, said at the time that there were no reports of serious injury or loss of life.
He also urged residents to remain safe and assist neighbours who may have been impacted by the weather system where possible.
Prayers are with the affected islands
Meanwhile, Governor of the British Virgin Islands John Rankin issued a statement on the system’s development, urging residents to remain vigilant over the next few days.
He said, “Currently, forecasters expect the centre of this storm to pass to the south of the BVI. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Barbados, Martinique, St Lucia, and especially St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who are all under a Tropical Storm Warning.”
“As a territory, we can anticipate that we may feel some effects associated with this system on Friday night into Saturday. Experience has shown us that storms can be unpredictable, and that systems can change course. The entire Territory, but especially those of us whose homes may be vulnerable because of ongoing repairs or other issues, need to be extra vigilant in the coming days,” he added.
Residents urged to stock up
Governor Rankin also urged residents to continue their preparation efforts to ensure that they are ready should the BVI be impacted in any way by this or any other passing weather system.
“I encourage everyone to take stock. Any outstanding seasonal preparations such as assembling critical documents in a safe and waterproof location for easy access, routine property inspections, disposal of bulky waste, reviewing emergency supplies; should be carried out with all possible haste,” he stated.