Flash flood warning, watch remain in effect for western, eastern parishes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has extended a flash flood warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of Hanover, St James, Westmoreland, and St Elizabeth.
There is also a flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Ann, Trelawny, Manchester, Clarendon, St Catherine, St Mary, Portland, St Thomas and Kingston and St Andrew. Both are in effective until 5:00 pm today.
According to the Met Office, a trough across the western Caribbean including Jamaica continues to influence the weather conditions across the island. Satellite imagery and radar reports indicated that light to moderate showers, and at times heavy showers, have affected sections of western and central parishes last night and this morning.
The forecast is for showers and thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times, to continue to affect sections of most parishes, especially western and central parishes, during the afternoon today. Flash flooding is therefore imminent over some low-lying and flood-prone areas of western parishes and possible over some low-lying and flood-prone areas of eastern and central parishes. A flash flood warning means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.
A flash flood watch means that flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Meteorological Service, and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued. The Meteorological Service said it will continue to monitor the situation.