The U.S Virgin Islands has begun a full assessment on the impact of Hurricane Irma on the territory, with major damage apparent in both St Thomas and St John.

St. Croix did not receive the full brunt of the storm, according to US Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty.

Indeed, the island’s Henry E Rohlsen airport received its first new commercial flight on Friday.

The story is very different for St. Thomas and St. John, however, with officials encouraging visitors not to visit either island right now.

“To ensure everyone’s safety, we are requesting the postponement of all scheduled visits to St. Thomas and St. John,” the Commissioner said, advising that there is significant work ahead to help residents of the district.

The storm resulted in four casualties in St. Thomas, with significant damage to infrastructure in both St. Thomas and St John.

St. Thomas’ Cyril King Airport will not be open for commercial traffic before the next weather system passes the area.