Barbados under flood watch as tropical wave approaches
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) issued a flood watch and a small-craft advisory for Barbadoss which is experiencing the effects of a tropical wave.
The flood watch is valid from 3 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday, in the first instance, while the small-craft advisory is in place until 6 p.m. Thursday.
A flood watch is issued when the conditions are favourable for flooding within the next 36 hours, but it does not mean that flooding will occur.
According to the Met Office, maximum rainfall accumulations of 100 to 150mm in heavy showers are forecast for Thursday, while isolated higher amounts of 150 to 200mm are possible during that time.
These excessive amounts of rainfall accumulation can present life threatening floods, particularly during the afternoon. A tropical wave in conjunction with a favourable upper level environment is expected to produce unsettled conditions across the island.
Occasional showers and thunderstorms are forecast to return on Wednesday afternoon, well in advance of the main event on Thursday. These showers will continue to keep the soils saturated, exacerbating the conditions for flooding and slippage.
Significant runoff from higher elevation will cause water settlement on roads and fields. There will be delays on some routes and roads may become impassable. Large objects or debris from higher elevations may also become embedded within fast moving water flows.
Meanwhile, a small-craft advisory is issued, in this case, when sea swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres (8 to 10 feet) are affecting or forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours.
All marine craft operators and beachgoers, mainly on the east coast of the island, should note the possibility of large open water swells which can be hazardous to some vessels along the coast and near shore of this zone in open water. Additionally, operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to the large swells.
Residents and visitors are advised to monitor the situation closely via official updates from the BMS over the next 12 to 18 hours. (PR/SAT)