The storm that packed winds of only 50 mph produced much rain that caused many business places and services to be suspended for most of the weekend.

However, on Monday, (22nd August, 2011), residents were again able to return to their normal course of activities, with public transportation, airline services, shopping and other undertakings, seeing an increase in activity.

The Robert Bradshaw International Airport on St. Kitts was back in full operation from late Sunday afternoon and the heightened activity there continued on Monday with airlines desperately trying to get rid of the back-log of visitors, many of whom were stuck here for the past two days.

It is also much relief for hoteliers, who were affected by the flight cancellations, preventing guests from arriving into St. Kitts & Nevis since Saturday.

Weather officials on the island have indicated that the day will be partly sunny to cloudy with a high chance, just about 90 percent, of showers developing. Isolated heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are also possible during the day time.

Tonight will be partly cloudy with some quick passing showers possible, said the forecast.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Caribbean Forecast shows that Hurricane Irene, as of 5AM this morning, was located near latitude 18.4N and longitude 66.4W or about 25 miles west of San Juan Puerto Rico.

Hurricane and tropical storm conditions showed that winds of peaks near 64kts with higher gusts and heavy rains will continue across Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and are expected across Hispaniola today.

Some strong rain-bands associated with the storm will also keep conditions quite wet and overcast across the British Virgin Islands where heavy showers and strong gusty winds are expected. As a result, a Flash Flood warning is in effect for the British Virgin Islands until 2PM today. Meanwhile, remnant moisture from the storm along with daytime heating could still trigger some cloudy spells with some passing showers over the Leeward Islands south to Trinidad and Tobago. A few thunderstorms are still possible over and around the Leeward Islands.

Though the weather conditions have improved in St. Kitts & Nevis, there remains a small craft advisory in effect and sea bathers should also exercise caution. The seas were moderate to locally rough, with waves/swells 1.5 – 2.1m or 5 – 7ft.

The winds were said to be E – ESE at 12 – 20kts with a few gusts in showers.