WEATHER – A flood watch is in effect for Barbados

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has advised that a flood watch is in effect for the country from 3 p.m. today, September 30 and will be updated at 6 a.m. tomorrow, October 1.

A flood watch the BMS said is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding within the next 36 hours. “It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.”

“Maximum rainfall accumulations of 100.0 to 150.0 mm in heavy showers are forecast for Thursday 1st October 2020. Isolated higher amounts of 150 to 200mm are possible during that time. These excessive amounts of rainfall accumulation can present life threatening floods particularly during the afternoon,” the BMS said in a release this afternoon.

It added that a tropical wave in conjunction with a favourable upper level environment is expected to produce unsettled conditions across the island.

“Residents and visitors must monitor the situation closely via official updates from the
BMS over the next 12 to 18 hours. Occasional showers and thunderstorms are set to return this afternoon, well in advance of the main event tomorrow. These showers will continue to keep the soils saturated and as a consequence, exacerbating the situation tomorrow,” the BMS cautioned.

The BMS said residents and visitors should note that the following impacts are possible during the watch period – 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.

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