Barbados Meteorological Services Issues Flash Flood Warning for Northwestern, Western, and Central Districts: Preparedness and Safety Guidelines Included

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued a flash flood warning for northwestern, western and central districts of Barbados.

The BMS says excessive rainfall this afternoon will generate flooding across low-lying areas.

Unstable conditions along with light winds and strong daytime heating is generating some localised activity across western, northwestern and central districts of the island.

Mostly cloudy with breaks of sunshine with the occasional scattered heavy to intense showers and isolated thunderstorms with rainfall accumulation one to three inches (25.0 to 75.0 mm) are forecast.

These conditions are predicted to peak this afternoon with some improvement tonight.

Possible Impacts

There is a high possibility of severe flooding which will result in runoff from higher elevations.

Soil erosion/land slippage on exposed or scarred land surfaces.

Water settlements on roads and fields.

Adjustments to water levels of existing water bodies (ponds etc.).

Large objects or debris from higher elevations becoming embedded within fast moving water flows.

Flooding at the foot of hillsides and coastal roads.

Delays on traffic routes with some roads being impassable or cutoff in and out of minor towns.

What you should do: The public should follow recommendations from the DEM. The public is also 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 warning is issued when rapid flooding due to heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time (generally less than six hours) is occurring or is imminent in the warning area.

This flash flood warning was issued at 1:15 p.m. and will be terminated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.