Despite yesterday’s (September 23) lifting of a tropical storm watch for Jamaica, the Meteorological Service this morning issued a flash flood warning and watch for sections of the island.

In an 8 am bulleting, the The Met Service said a flash flood warning has bee issued for low low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, and Clarendon.

At the same time, a flash flood watch was issued for low-lying and floodprone areas of Manchester, St Elizabeth, and Westmoreland.

The warning and watch are to remain effective until 5:00 am on Monday.

According to the Met Service, Tropical Storm Ian was at 8 am located near 15.0 degrees north and 79.4 degrees west, or 390 kilometres south-southwest of Negril Point, Jamaica and was expected to move southwest of Jamaica today and be across the northwestern Caribbean by Monday. Its outer bands have been producing adverse weather conditions across Jamaica since yesterday afternoon.

 Observational Data indicates that the outer bands of Ian have been producing light to moderate showers since yesterday afternoon and moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the last few hours, mainly across eastern and south-central parishes. 

SHOWERS, THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED FOR ISLAND

The forecast is for periods of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to continue across southern and northeastern parishes through to Monday evening. Periods of showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons, are expected for the remainder of the island during this time.

A flash flood warning means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely.

Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

A flash flood watch means that flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Met Service and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.