Public told to expect heavy to intense showers

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) is advising that a tropical wave will be affecting the island, bringing occasional heavy to intense showers, and as such, a flash flood watch remains in effect.

The Met officials say rainfall accumulations up to an inch are possible throughout the afternoon.

“Residents and visitors should also be aware that this [flash flood] alert level could elevate to red,” the BMS said.

The public is being told to expect possible moderate to significant runoff from higher elevations; soil erosion on exposed or scarred land surfaces; water settlements on roads and fields at the foot of hills and coastal roads; adjustments to water levels of existing water bodies (ponds etc.); objects or debris from higher elevations becoming embedded within fast-moving water flows; and delays on traffic routes with some roads becoming impassable in and out of minor towns.

The flash flood watch, which went into effect at noon, will be terminated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.

The 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.