KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Flash Flood Watch has been declared for the southern regions of the island, with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica warning of potential flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. The alert, effective as of Wednesday afternoon, affects the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St Thomas.
This advisory comes as a tropical wave, currently west of the island, intensifies in the southwestern Caribbean, bringing heavy rainfall and unstable weather patterns. The Met Service expects persistent rain showers and thunderstorms to impact most parishes, with the southern coast anticipated to be hardest hit.
The Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 5:00 PM on Thursday, with meteorologists warning that conditions could worsen before improving on Friday morning.
Marine operators, particularly fishers on the southern coast, are urged to be vigilant as the weather system is likely to cause dangerous sea conditions. Strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy showers are forecasted, with a call for extreme caution until the storm passes.
Residents are advised to stay tuned for updates and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the volatile weather.