Flash flood warning issued for Jamaica
Key Points(5)
- A severe weather alert and flash flood warning has been issued for Jamaica as the island is expected to see an increase in rainfall going into the weekend.
- In a statement, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) urged Jamaicans who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas to be ready to evacuate.
- Residents have been advised to also avoid flooded waterways, areas with damaged roadways, and, where possible, places prone to landslides and flooding.
- The rains are associated with a trough currently located across the southwestern Caribbean Sea that is expected to move northeastward across the island on Thursday and Friday.
- The meteorological service has forecast cloudy conditions with widespread showers and thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times with occasional gusty winds, to affect most parishes, especially central and eastern parishes.
A severe weather alert and flash flood warning has been issued for Jamaica as the island is expected to see an increase in rainfall going into the weekend.
In a statement, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) urged Jamaicans who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas to be ready to evacuate. Residents have been advised to also avoid flooded waterways, areas with damaged roadways, and, where possible, places prone to landslides and flooding.
The rains are associated with a trough currently located across the southwestern Caribbean Sea that is expected to move northeastward across the island on Thursday and Friday.
The meteorological service has forecast cloudy conditions with widespread showers and thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times with occasional gusty winds, to affect most parishes, especially central and eastern parishes.
It urged fishers and other marine interests to exercise caution, as sea conditions will deteriorate in the vicinity of showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The ODPEM has also directed persons to ensure that all important documents are secured in plastic bags or waterproof containers. All electrical, power, gas and water supplies in areas that are in immediate danger from flooding should be turned off.
In addition, the ODPEM said in case of extensive rainfall, persons should avoid going on the road except where absolutely necessary.
The ODPEM also sought to remind persons that the hurricane season has not yet ended, and all precautions issued by the agency, the meteorological service of Jamaica and other authorities should be observed.
Severe weather also expected in South Florida
South Florida residents have been grappling with relentless rain, causing streets to flood, traffic chaos, and significant flight delays.
The deluge, which began on Wednesday, continued on Thursday morning with power outages. Miami-Dade and Broward counties have reported widespread power outages.
According to reports, Florida Power & Light (FPL) noted that Miami-Dade had over 62,000 households without electricity, while Broward recorded more than 24,000 outages as of 5:19 a.m on Thursday.
The dire weather conditions had a profound impact on travel, with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) experiencing significant disruptions.
