V.I. Public Schools are closing across the territory due to torrential rains and flooding, and parents are asked to start picking up children, the Education Department announced Friday.

Classes are being dismissed at 1.p.m. School bus service will also be available.

VITRAN buses on St. Croix stopped running at 11:30 a.m., due to deteriorating road conditions. Torrential downpours have caused flash floods and rock slides along roadways. Bus services on St. Thomas and St. John are currently operating.