KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been advised by the Meteorological Service that the Flash Flood Watch has been extended to include low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes, until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow, as rainfall spreads across the island. A Flash Flood Watch means that flash flooding is possible.
(Update as of: Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 5:15 p.m.)
The very active tropical wave currently in the vicinity of Jamaica will continue to influence weather conditions as it begins to drift westward, away from the island, tonight. Meanwhile, the instability produced by the system will persist across sections of the country and its territorial waters through tonight and into tomorrow afternoon.
Periods of moderate to heavy thundershowers and gusty winds should be expected over all parishes. As a result, flash flooding is likely over low-lying and flood prone areas during the next 12-24 hours. Up to the sending of this release the ODPEM has not received any confirmed reports of flooding or landslide events in affected parishes.
All Parish Disaster Committees are on alert and are monitoring the situation in each parish. The Meteorological Service and ODPEM will continue to keep an eye on the state of affairs and further updates will be provided, as it demands.
The public is advised to continue monitoring radios and televisions for further advisories, avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides, and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.
The Bog Walk Gorge is currently clear however motorists are advised to proceed with caution. Also take the following precautions in the event of heavy rains:
– Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
– Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
– Fishers and other marine interests, especially fishers on the cays and banks, are being advised to exercise extreme caution should continue to exercise extreme caution as gusty winds and choppy seas may be encountered in the vicinity of thunderstorms.
