Barbados Under Flash Flood Watch: Important Updates and Precautions

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has placed the island under a flash flood watch.

“This alert message is valid from 9:40 a.m. and will be terminated at 6 p.m. Monday, 2nd October 2023, or sooner if conditions warrant, the BMS said in a statement.

“A flash flood watch is issued when heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time (generally less than 6 hours) could result in flash flooding within the watch area. It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible. Unstable conditions will persist throughout the day as occasional moderate to heavy showers with accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are possible with isolated higher amounts up to 3 inches,” it added.

Key Messages:

-Soil erosion on bared or scarred land surfaces.

-Water settlements on roads and fields, which may lead to commuting delays and possible isolated diversions in and out of the city.

-Increases in water levels of existing water bodies (e.g ponds etc.).

-Marginally invasive excess water on roads, fields, storm drains, water canals and on property.

-Residents and visitors should also be aware that this alert level could elevate to red at short notice.