Flash flood warning issued for Portland, St Mary; other parishes under watch

The Meteorological Service has upgraded the Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Mary and Portland to a Flash Flood Warning.

It has continued the Flash Flood Watch for low lying and flood prone areas of all other parishes.

These are effective until 5:00 p.m. today.  

The Met Service says a Stationary Front across Jamaica continues to produce unstable weather conditions across the island.

It says satellite imagery and Radar reports indicate that light to moderate showers affected sections of northern parishes throughout the night. 

The forecast is for mostly cloudy conditions with periods of showers and possible thunderstorms to continue to affect sections of the island, especially northern and southeastern parishes today through to Monday.

Flash flooding is therefore possible over low-lying and flood prone areas. 

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 Met Service is monitoring the situation.