Montego Bay Mayor Urges Residents to Be Vigilant with Flash Flood Warning

As Jamaica continues to experience significant rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Rafael, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is urging residents to remain vigilant.

The severe weather system commenced moving off the island’s west coast on Tuesday (November 5) afternoon, which resulted in the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) discontinuing the tropical storm warning issued for the country.

However, a flash flood warning had been declared for southern parishes, and a flash flood watch for the rest of the island until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Speaking with JIS News, Mayor Vernon highlighted updates from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on the revised weather advisories.

“The city and municipality remain in a state of readiness, with our disaster response team on standby,” he advised.

Councillor Vernon urged residents to remain cautious and alert, and to report any flooding or other disaster situations promptly.

The mobile Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), activated on Monday (November 4), remains operational to facilitate coordinated response efforts among key stakeholders, including emergency services, security, health and transportation.

“If a physical EOC [intervention] becomes necessary, the public will be informed,” the Mayor said.

Residents are also advised to continue monitoring weather updates and take the necessary precautions, as heavy rainfall may lead to localised flooding.