Much of Antigua came to a standstill on Friday as Tropical Storm Jerry disrupted daily life with heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and flash flooding, prompting widespread closures and transportation delays across the island.
The Ministry of Education ordered the closure of all public schools in Antigua and Barbuda due to a Flash Flood Warning that remains in effect. Private institutions were encouraged to follow suit as conditions deteriorated.
Several government agencies and private businesses also suspended operations. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) said all of its commercial locations — including Independence Avenue, Village Walk, South Mall, Old Parham Road, Market Street, and the Mobile Payment Centre — would open later than usual.
Antigua Motors Ltd., Community First Credit Union, Antigua Plumbing and Hardware, Vernon G. Edwards Ltd./DHL Express, and the Cooks Sanitary Landfill all confirmed full-day closures on Friday due to flooded or impassable roads. The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre also announced the closure of its Outpatient Clinics, Laboratory, and Radiology Department for the day.
Financial institutions adjusted their schedules, with ACB Caribbean branches opening at 10:15 a.m., and Digicel retail outlets resuming service at 10 a.m. Meanwhile, Flow suspended all in-person operations, emphasizing staff and customer safety as the top priority.
In the aviation sector, Caribbean Airlines canceled multiple regional flights linking Trinidad, Antigua, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten, citing adverse weather. Passengers are being rebooked on the next available flights without penalty, with fees waived through November 6, 2025.
Broadcast services were also affected, with ABS Television/Radio reporting that its Boggy Peak transmitter was offline. Technicians are working to restore transmission, and news updates continue on Facebook, YouTube, and the ABS website.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service continues to monitor Tropical Storm Jerry as it moves northwest of the Leeward Islands. Residents are urged to remain indoors, avoid flooded areas, and stay tuned for official advisories throughout the day.
A video posted by Sadique Arm Strong captured the heavy rains:
