A severe thunderstorm and flash flood watch in effect for Barbados

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued a severe thunderstorm watch and flash flood watch for Barbados until 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 27.

A severe-thunderstorm watch is issued when significant lightning activity is possible within the watch area, generally within 6 hours.

The BMS said convection associated with the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone diminished during the afternoon, but thunderstorm activity was possible throughout the night.

It stated that the public should expect “some lightning activity” and “increased likelihood of power outages if lightning strikes power utility infrastructure”.

Meanwhile a flash flood watch is issued when heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time – generally less than 6 hours – could result in flash flooding within the watch area.

“It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible. As the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone affected the island throughout the day, rainfall accumulations near 80 mm (about 3 inches) were recorded across the island.

“Although shower activity waned during the afternoon, a further 25 mm to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) is possible throughout the night during moderate to heavy shower activity. Due to the saturated nature of the soils, there is the possibility for flooding across some districts tonight”.

The BMS said residents and visitors should be prepared for the following possibilities: 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 becoming impassable; large objects or debris from higher elevations may become embedded within fast moving water flows and; significant flooding at the foot of hillsides and coastal roads.