Barbados Meteorological Services Issues Flash Flood Watch for the Island – Rainfall and Potential Hazards

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

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.

Hazard Info

Rainfall Accumulations of 25.0 to 40.0 mm in intense showers are anticipated throughout the afternoon as an upper-level trough enhances pockets of cloud development across the island. This activity could generate some flooding in flood-prone areas. As a result, a flash-flood watch has been issued for Barbados throughout the afternoon.

Possible moderate to significant:

Soil erosion on bared or scarred land surfaces.

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

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.

Residents and visitors should also be aware that this alert level could elevate to red.

The BMS says this alert message is valid from 12 p.m. Sunday and will be updated or terminated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.

(PR)