Severe Weather Alert Continues for Jamaica

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reminding the public of the need to remain alert for possible flooding as an area of low pressure moves northwest of Jamaica, bringing an increase in rainfall across the island.

A Severe Weather Alert continues to be in effect for Jamaica as the Trough is expected to remain in the Jamaica area until Tuesday. It should then move towards the western Caribbean on Wednesday.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is forecasting scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly across southern and northeastern parishes with periods of showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds along the south coast moving into the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Flash flooding, is therefore possible, over low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is reminding persons of the following flooding precautions:

1. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately and if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas, decide on likely evacuation routes now.

2. Avoid flooded waterways, i.e. fords, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.

3. If trapped in a house by rising water move to the second floor and or to the roof if necessary.

4. Do not go sightseeing in flooded areas

The ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided as the situation demands.