The Flood Warning for Barbados has been downgraded to a Flood Watch and it will be in effect from noon until midnight today Tuesday September 19.
At 11 a.m. Hurricane Maria was located near 16.3 °N, 63.1°W or about 115 miles (180 km) west of Guadeloupe and the system will continue to track west-northwestward towards Puerto Rico.
However, trailing feeder bands associated with this system have been producing pockets of moderate to heavy showers, isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds across Barbados and the southern Windwards during the early hours of this morning.
Although this activity subsided during the late morning hours and early this afternoon, the Barbados Meteorological Services said there was still the possibility of some moderate to heavy showers and possible isolated thunderstorms during the late evening hours into tonight.
A Flood Watch means that some flooding is possible. Residents should continue to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.
In addition, large waves and dangerous rip-currents generated by the strong low-level southerly winds will continue to spawn high surf and dangerous rip currents, creating unsafe conditions for small-craft operators.
Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water particularly at times of high tide when these conditions could become even more adverse.
Thus the high surf advisory and small craft warning has been extended until midnight.
A high surf advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone. A small-craft warning means in this case that seas equal to or greater than 3m (10ft) and wind speeds of 23 to 29 mph (37 to 47 km/h) will be affecting the marine area.
This statement will be updated as conditions warrant. Thus, residents in flood prone areas should continue to exercise caution and remain on the alert. A flood watch means that some flooding is possible. (PR)
