Portland:
More than four hours of heavy rainfall pounded the northeastern parish of Portland on Wednesday, forcing the closure of several businesses while inundating the main thoroughfare in some areas.
The inclement weather also delayed the start of some scheduled events as some officials encountered challenges while travelling along the roadway from St Mary leading into Portland.
The torrential rainfall, which started approximately 12:15 p.m., was accompanied by strong gusty winds, thunder, and lightning that lasted for several hours.
Small-business operator Denise Roberts told The Gleaner that the high wind was just too much as food items were blown off the shelves,and the heavy rainfall further compounded the situation.
“It was like a mini-hurricane passing through without any warning,” she commented.
“It was very intense, and, of course, the rain came down in bucketloads. Before it was hot and sunny, and all of a sudden, the place got dark, and, the next thing a strong wind started blowing. Everyone was wondering what was happening. On realising what was happening, [I] decided to close early, “she added.
Other small-business operators, including Christine Brown, of Bryan’s Bay, who operates a corner shop; Marie Hill, of Boundbrook, who operates a fruit stall; and Tamaria King, a bar operator, were also forced to shut down business for the day.
The torrential rainfall also led to a lengthy delay in the arrival of Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, who was the keynote speaker at a function held at hotel Tim Bamboo in Port Antonio for the disbursement of checks to 70 persons who suffered damage during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.