Flash flood watch, warning issued

The Meteorological Service has issued a flash flood warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of Westmoreland, Hanover St. James, Trelawny, and St. Elizabeth.

A flash flood warning means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.

As a result, motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely and residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

At the same time, the agency has also issued a flash flood watch for low lying and flood prone areas of St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, and  Manchester.

Under the watch, flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a Warning is issued.

Both systems will remain in place until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 19.

The Met Office says a deep Trough across the western Caribbean is producing unstable weather conditions across the region with reports of flooding over western Jamaica.

The forecast is for scattered showers and thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times, to continue affecting the island, especially central and western parishes during the afternoon.

Flash flooding is therefore expected over low-lying and flood-prone areas of the island. 

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