A flash-flood warning and severe thunderstorm watch were issued for central, western and northwestern areas today.
Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) said these alerts will be terminated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.
A flash-flood warning is issued when rapid flooding due to heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period (generally less than six hours) is occurring or is imminent within the warning area.
Maximum rainfall accumulations of 50 mm to 100 mm in heavy to violent showers are anticipated across the warning area.
Significant runoff from higher elevations, soil erosion on exposed or scarred land surfaces, large water settlements on roads and fields, significant adjustments to water levels of existing water bodies (ponds and so on) and significant traffic delays are likely.
There is also the possibility of roads becoming impassable. Large objects or debris from higher elevations may also become embedded within fast-moving water flows. Significant flooding at the foot of hillsides and coastal roads is possible.
With regard to the severe-thunderstorm watch, this is issued when significant lightning activity in a short period (generally less than six hours) is expected within the watch area. It does not mean that severe thunderstorms will occur, but are possible.
BMS said that there is the increased likelihood of power outages if lightning strikes power utility infrastructure.
For more information, please visit: https://www.barbadosweather.org/weatherBarResp.php or the social media pages of BMS. (PR)
