The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has said an approaching trough is posing an increased risk of flooding and landslides to the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: DDM

The BVI Department of Disaster Management said emphasis must be placed on ensuring that drainage in areas where active roadworks are ongoing is fully functional. Photo: Facebook/Ministry of Communications and Works

In a bulletin shared this morning, Saturday, April 11, 2026, via the DDM's WhatsApp Channel, a weather system is expected to impact the VI starting late Sunday, April 12, 2026, with a surface trough axis crossing the VI between the night of Monday, April 13, 2026 and early Tuesday, April 14, 2026. 

“This system will bring periods of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, significantly increasing the risk of flooding and landslides throughout the early workweek.”

Timeline of Impacts

According to the DDM, the timeline of impacts is as follows: 

• Sunday Night- Early Monday: Arrival of the first round of showers and isolated thunderstorms across the Virgin Islands.
• Monday Afternoon: Increased convective activity developing across the interior and southern portions of the Virgin Islands.
• Late Monday - Tuesday: Peak intensity period. Conditions will be most favourable for heavy downpours, particularly affecting Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and the surrounding Islands.

An average rainfall of 1 to 3 inches per day, with isolated higher amounts in areas of heavy activity, is expected. 

Primary risks may include a high likelihood of flooding of urban and small stream flooding, with potential for isolated flash flooding and an increased risk of landslides and rapid Ghut rises.

Mitigation advise

The DDM is strongly recommending that all primary drainage systems be cleared and high-risk landslide zones be prioritised for inspection ahead of the peak weather activity anticipated for Monday night. 

Emphasis, the DDM urged, must be placed on ensuring that drainage in areas where active roadworks are ongoing is fully functional. 

The DDM also advised that alternative hillside routes should be evaluated immediately to ensure safe passage and accessibility should the primary road network become compromised.