The Meteorological Service has issued:

• A Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes.
• Effective until 8:00 a.m. Friday November 17, 2023.

A broad area of Low Pressure across the southwestern Caribbean is producing a large area of cloudiness with showers and thunderstorms across the region, including Jamaica. The environmental conditions appear conducive for some additional development and there in now a 60% chance of the formation of a Tropical Cyclone (Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm) over the next two days.

The system is currently moving northeastward across the region, and the center is expected to move near to, or over Jamaica on Friday afternoon, before continuing northeastward and away from the island.

Observations indicate that light to moderate, and occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms, have been affecting sections of mainly southern and northwestern parishes since last night.

The forecast is for cloudy conditions, with widespread rainfall and occasional heavy thundershowers, to affect all parishes today and through to Saturday morning. Additionally, strong gusty winds are likely especially across southern parishes.

• 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.

Additionally, Fishers and other marine interests should exercise caution as sea conditions will deteriorate due to thunderstorms and strong gusty winds.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor this system.

For further information, please dial 116.
See also our website: http://metservice.gov.jm

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