Barbados Meteorological Services said at noon today that a flood watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.
A flood watch is issued when the conditions are favourable for flooding within the next 36 hours (in this case within the next eight hours).
It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.
The Met Office said maximum rainfall accumulations of 20.0 to 50.0 mm in moderate to heavy showers and periods of light rain are possible for this afternoon.
“Although most of these showers have occurred well to the east of Barbados over open waters, there still exists the possibility that some moderate to heavy showers could move across the island later this afternoon,” a statement said.
Residents and visitors should be prepared for the following if this alert level is raised to a warning:
- Significant runoff from higher elevations.
- Significant soil erosion is likely on exposed or scared land surfaces.
- Large water settlements on roads and fields.
- Significant adjustments to water levels of existing water bodies (ponds and so on).
- Significant traffic delays 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. For more information, please visit: https://www.barbadosweather.org/weatherBarResp.php or the social media pages of Barbados Meteorological Services. (PR)