The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) says power restoration efforts following Tropical Storm Rafael are being delayed by heavy rains and flooding across parts of the island.

JPS is the country's main electricity provider. 

“Consistent with the projections of the Meteorological Service, we have been seeing persistent rainfall resulting in flooding and landslides in several communities. In some instances, our crews have had to stop working because of impassable roads,” said JPS President & CEO, Hugh Grant, in a statement Tuesday evening. 

Grant noted that JPS teams were strategically deployed before the storm to ensure a safe and swift response, but ongoing conditions are affecting progress.

“Projections from the Met Office are that rain will continue in sections of the island throughout the night and into tomorrow, which could cause further outages and delay restoration. However, we commit to working as long as it is safe to do so. We ask our customers for patience and understanding,” he added.

JPS is also urging the public to exercise caution, avoid fallen poles and power lines, and report hazards via the MyJPS Mobile App, social media channels @myjpsonline, or by calling 888-225-5577.

This is the first major test of JPS' systems since the significant public and government backlash it faced over its response to the the effects of Hurricane Beryl in July. 

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com [2] or editors@gleanerjm.com [3]