The Department of Education advises the public that all schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, including the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, will close from Monday, 27 October 2025 until further notice in preparation for the possible impact of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding as early as Tuesday evening, 28 October 2025.
This proactive closure will allow schools designated as emergency shelters to be fully prepared and secured ahead of the expected weather impact.
All principals and staff of public schools must report to their respective schools on Monday, 27 October 2025 to assist with:
- Securing school property and resources
- Organising preliminary cleaning efforts with school cleaners in areas to be used as shelters
- Setting up shelter spaces safely in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME).
Parents and guardians residing in low-lying, flood-prone areas are strongly encouraged to take necessary steps to secure life and property and to use designated shelters for safety.
A list of designated shelter locations is available through the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: www.gov.tc/ddme
For urgent queries, contact the Department of Education at 1 (649) 338-4804/3809 or the DDME at 1 (649) 244-3363 or 225-3363.
