Jamaica on flash flood watch

A flash-flood watch has been issued for low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes until 5 this afternoon.

The watch means flash flooding is possible and persons are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening for updates and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.

The flash-flood watch comes as a result of a broad area of low pressure that was last night located south of Hispaniola and moving towards the west.

The Met Service satellite imagery has indicated that cloudiness and thunderstorms associated with the low-pressure system remain disorganised. Conditions are, however, favourable for gradual development and a tropical cyclone could form during the next day or two as the system moves towards the western Caribbean Sea, the weather unit added.

Due to the current potential for the area of low pressure to strengthen while moving westward, marine interests are advised that weather conditions will gradually deteriorate today. Thundershowers and strong, gusty winds are forecast over southern waters and small craft operators, especially fishers on the cays and banks, are being asked to exercise extreme caution. Those in port are urged not to venture far from the mainland.