FLASH FLOOD WATCH ISSUED FOR THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a flash flood watch for the British Virgin Islands.
A flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding in flood-prone areas, usually when grounds are already saturated from recent rains, or when upcoming rains will have the potential to cause a flash flood.
Forecasters expect weather conditions to be mostly cloudy with showers and a 20 percent or slight chance of thunderstorms. Notwithstanding the presence of a surface ridge across the area, cloudy periods and showers are expected mainly across the British Virgin Islands and to a lesser extent the Leeward Islands as a result of a deep layer trough west of Hispaniola. Possible rainfall total for the forecast period is 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches).
Weather tonight is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy with a 50 percent or moderate chance of showers.
With the soils in the Territory already saturated, additional rainfall can cause ponding on roads, extreme hillside water run-off, increased mudslides and falling rocks.
Residents are urged to exercise caution while driving and pay close attention to undermined sections of roads. Do not attempt to drive in fast moving water and caution should be exercised while driving across roads that are not visible due to flooding.
The Department of Disaster Management will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates when necessary.
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website at bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates.
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
