NEWS RELEASE

Monday, May 15, 2017 –5:00 a.m.

*** FLASH FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FOR SOUTHERN AND NORTHEASTERN PARISHES…..FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FOR ALL OTHER PARISHES ***

The Meteorological Service has issued:

• A Flash Flood Warning for low-lying and flood prone areas of St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

• A Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, and St. Ann.

• Effective until 5:00 p.m. today.

• A Trough west of Jamaica has been influencing the weather conditions across the island since Saturday night. Satellite imagery and radar reports indicated light to moderate showers across sections of all parishes, especially southern parishes, during last night into this morning.

• Current projections are for light to moderate, and at times heavy showers, along with thunderstorms, to continue affecting sections of all parishes today through to Thursday. Flash flooding is therefore imminent or possible over some low-lying and flood-prone areas of Jamaica.

• A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

• A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Meteorological Service and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a Warning is issued.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the situation.
END

JKH