Flash flood watch issued for Barbados

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The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued a flash flood watch, advising residents that excessive rainfall on Saturday could generate flooding across low lying areas in Barbados, especially across northern districts.

According to the BMS, mid to upper level instability is affecting the island with cloudy skies along with sunny periods, intermittent scattered moderate to heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms.

Rainfall accumulation of one to two inches (25.0 to 50.0mm) are forecast.

Possible Impacts:

• There is the medium possibility of significant flooding which may result in 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.

• Delays on traffic routes with some roads becoming impassable .

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 11:30 a.m. Saturday and will be updated/terminated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.