Barbados Under Flash Flood Watch Due to Tropical Wave: Potential Impacts and Safety Measures

A flash flood watch is in effect for Barbados. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) says excessive rainfall associated with a tropical wave affecting the island could generate flooding across low-lying areas across the island in the early part of the night.

Possible Impacts

Water settlements on roads and fields which may lead to commuting delays and possible isolated diversions in and out of city.

Increases in water levels of existing water bodies (e.g ponds etc.).

Marginally invasive excess water on roads, fields, storm drains/water canals and on property.

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.

The BMS says the tropical wave generated one to two inches of rainfall across the island during the late afternoon. A further one to two inches of rainfall is likely and isolated thunderstorms throughout the early part of the night with improvement thereafter.

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 or Warning was issued at 7 p.m. Sunday and will be terminated at midnight tonight or sooner if conditions warrant.