Flash flood watch for Barbados

A flash flood watch is now in effect for Barbados.

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) says a tropical wave aided by a favourable upper-level pattern is currently generating pockets of showers, periods of rain, thunderstorm activity and gusty winds. One to two inches of rainfall with isolated higher amounts is likely today and tonight.

Possible Impacts:

Possible moderate to significant:

• Soil erosion on bare or scarred land surfaces.
• Water settlements on roads and fields which may lead to commuting delays and possible isolated diversions in and out of the city.
• Increases in water levels of existing water bodies (e.g ponds etc.).
• Marginally invasive excess water on roads, fields, storm drains/water canals and on property.

Residents and visitors should also be aware that this alert level could elevate to red at a moment’s notice.

What you should do: The public is encouraged to monitor the BMS, DEM and GIS websites and their respective social media pages along with the local media networks for further updates.

A flash-flood watch is issued when heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time (generally less than six hours) could result in flash flooding within the watch area. It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

This flash flood watch was issued at 10:45 a.m. and will be updated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.