Flash-Flood Watch in effect for Barbados

The Barbados Meteorological Services has issued a Flash-Flood Watch for Barbados.

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.

A tropical wave interacting with a mid to upper-level trough is forecast to produce maximum rainfall accumulations of 25.0 to 50.0 mm in heavy showers across Barbados over the next few hours. These accumulation totals could increase later today as conditions become more unsettled across the island.

Residents and visitors should be prepared for the following possibilities if this alert level elevates to red (Warning):- 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 impassable. Large objects or debris from higher elevations may also become embedded within fast-moving water flows. Significant flooding at the foot of hillsides and coastal roads is possible.