Flood watch in effect

A flood watch is in effect for Barbados, issued just before noon on Saturday.

A flood watch is issued when heavy or excessive rainfall could result in flooding within the watch area. It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Due to the already saturated nature of the soils across the island, even moderate to heavy showers of a short duration will result in flooding across some sections of the island.

There is also the possibility of an odd tree falling across roads, near or onto homes due to gusts accompanying heavy shower activity.

Hazard Info

Maximum Rainfall Accumulations of 15.0 to 30.0 mm in moderate to heavy showers is forecast over the next 12 to 15 hours as a low to mid level trough continues to affect the island.

Key Message:

Residents and visitors should be prepared for the following possibilities in cases of moderate to heavy showers:-

• Significant runoff from higher elevations.
• Significant soil erosion is likely on exposed or scarred land surfaces.
• Large water settlements on roads and fields. Significant adjustments to water levels of existing water bodies (ponds etc.).
• Significant delays on traffic routes with some roads possibly impassable.
• Large objects or debris from higher elevations may also become embedded within fast moving water flows.
• Significant flooding at the foot of hillsides and coastal roads is possible.