Rains force schools, businesses to close

Schools and several businesses in Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines were forced to close because of torrential rains associated with a weather system over the Windward Islands.



Heavy rains have caused flooding up to four feet in some places in Barbados.



Light poles have also been downed, interrupting service to some parts of the island.



Meanwhile in St. Vincent, three days of intense rainfall resulted in flooding and landslides.



Disaster relief officials in both islands have been assessing the damage and working to clear blocked roads.