Dominica withdraws Storm Beryl state of emergency

Islanders had been warned to expect high winds and heavy rain but according to local media, there have been no reports of significant damage or disruption.

Beryl, the first Atlantic storm of the season, was downgraded from a tropical storm shortly before it arrived in Dominica.

The remnants of the storm though caused power outages in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.

Dominica is still recovering from the ravages of Hurricane Maria last September, a category five storm that caused widespread devastation and claimed more than 60 lives.

Residents and holidaymakers have been warned though the heavy rain brought by Beryl could yet cause flooding and landslides.

The Foreign Office refreshed its travel advice on Sunday (July 8), warning of Beryl’s approach, the state of emergency and curfew.

This remains in place, although the Dominican government has formally withdrawn its state of emergency and reduced its flood warning to a flood watch.