Barbados under flood watch

A flood watch is in effect for Barbados.

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) says a surface to mid-level trough is currently generating intermittent moderate to heavy showers across the island.

According to the forecasters maximum rainfall accumulations of 25.0 to 30.0 mm are likely during the afternoon.

They however note that while these showers are not expected to be continuous, heavy intermittent shower activity may cause flooding in some areas.

“This activity is expected to increase during the night into tomorrow, Saturday November 28, and the BMS is forecasting the possibility of a further 50 to 75mm (2 – 3 inches) of rainfall Therefore, a Flood Watch may be issued for that period.

The BMS advises residents and visitors to prepare for the following possibilities if this alert level elevates to red:- Significant runoff from higher elevations; soil erosion on exposed or scarred land surfaces; large water settlements on roads and fields; significant adjustments to water levels of existing water bodies (ponds etc.).

 Additionally, the BMS said there could be 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 and significant flooding at the foot of hillsides and coastal roads is possible.

The alert will be updated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.