Barbados Meteorological Services Issues Flash Flood Watch for Island: What You Need to Know

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued a flash flood watch for the island.

The BMS said unstable conditions ahead of an approaching tropical wave are currently affecting the island and rainfall totals of up to 20mm have already occurred this morning across the island.

Occasional showers are expected to continue this afternoon and into tonight with a further 25.0 to 50.0 mm in moderate to heavy showers possible.

Hazard Info

Possible Impacts: There is a medium possibility of significant flooding which may result in possible moderate to significant:

Water settlements on roads and fields at the foot of hills and coastal roads.

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

Delays on traffic routes with some roads becoming impassable.

What you should do

The public is 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 watch is issued when heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time (generally less than six hours) could result in flash flooding within the watch area. It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

This Flash Flood Watch was issued at 11 a.m. on Sunday and will be updated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.