Tropical Storm Rafael hits Barbuda

Tropical storm Rafael has been hitting Barbuda for 36 hours. Since Friday Rafael has brought constant rainfall and high winds. Much of Codrington has been affected by flooding in areas traditionally susceptible to high rainfall.

However, it is less severe than hurricane Lenny in 2000 which flooded most of the island. There has not been a threat to human life and the residents of Codrington were well prepared. The flights from Antigua were cancelled and the ferry service has been withdrawn until the sea conditions improve.