Met Service expands flash flood watch

The Meteorological Service has expanded the flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas to now include St. Mary and Portland.



Earlier the watch was issued for St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester.



The flash flood watch is to remain in effect until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.



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 trough which extends just west of Jamaica from an area of Low Pressure near the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border, has been influencing weather conditions across the central and western Caribbean, including Jamaica.



According to the Met Service, the threat of flash flooding has increased over the past three to six hours as rainfall amounts could reach 50-75 millimetres (2-3 inches) later this evening or tonight.



The Met Service says satellite imagery and radar reports indicate that moderate and occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms have been occurring mainly over eastern and south-central parishes, while light to moderate showers affected sections of other parishes.



It says outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms which could be heavy at times should continue tonight and into Wednesday, as the area of unstable weather moves slowly toward the west.



Fishers and other marine interests are also urged to exercise caution as strong winds are likely in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms, over the waters, particularly south of the island.



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