Tropical storm warnings have been discontinued for Saint Lucia from 5 a.m. today, Sep. 29.

The all clear was issued by the Met. Office at 8 a.m. As a result, the Saint Lucia Met. Office will issue no more advisories on Tropical Storm Matthew.

However, small craft operators are advised to remain in port for the remainder of the day. Residents in areas prone to flooding, landslides, fallen utility poles and power lines should continue to exercise extreme caution.

National actions taken:

NEMO has issued several communication products including press releases and SMS to the public through various media houses.

The NEMO Director is in constant communication with the Acting Prime Minister and Acting Cabinet Secretary on the situation.

The Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Lenard Montoute has issued four statements on the situation—two on Wednesday, one on Thursday night, and one this morning, Sep. 29.

All schools will remain closed through Thursday, Sep. 29.

The Emergency Operations Center was partially activated on Wednesday, Sep. 28.

District Disaster Committees have been briefed and continue to update NEMO Secretariat on their areas.

As of  8 a.m. Sep. 29, the George FL Charles airport was reopened. The Hewanorra International Airport reopened at 10 a.m.

The Castries and Vieux sea ports are open to receive vessels, however as a result of power outages, cargo delivery may be unavailable.

The Soufriere Hospital has moved to the Environmental Health Building at Deliau Street, Wingsville.

NEMO continues to communicate with the Director of the Saint Lucia Met. Services for updates on the situation.

Six shelters were opened. Over 130 persons were accommodated in shelters at the Beanfield Secondary School, the Fond St Jacques Roman Catholic Church, the Soufriere SDA Church, the Choiseul RC Church, the Anse La Raye Parish Hall and the Gros Islet Roman Catholic Church. Persons accommodated at the Anse La Raye Parish Hall and the Gros Islet Roman Catholic Church have returned to their homes.

The Barre de l'Isle remains closed, however clearing crews have been mobilized.

Observations: During the course of the night reports were received on the impact of the storm and recorded by the respective District Disaster Committees including power outages in several communities; and flooding in all quadrants of Saint Lucia.

Next Steps: The Met. Office will continue to monitor the weather situation and keep the public informed. NEMO teams are currently conducting initial damage assessments.

Residents in affected areas are asked to report damage caused by the weather system to their respective District Disaster Committees.

The public is again reminded that the official source for information are the Met. Office and NEMO in Saint Lucia.