Flash flood watch in effect for southern and north-western parishes

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a flash flood watch for sections of the island's southern and north-western parishes until 5pm on Monday.

This is due to the presence of a broad trough over the western Caribbean, a release from the Met Service said on Sunday.

The flash flood watch has been issued for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny.

The Met Service said the area of disturbed weather is associated with a broad trough across the western Caribbean, which is producing moderate to strong thunderstorm activity.

"This area is currently located southwest of Jamaica, and is expected to generate unstable weather conditions across the island for the next few days," the release said.

Satellite imagery and radar observations indicate that showers and thunderstorms have been affecting sections of southern parishes throughout Sunday, and will continue for the remainder of the evening.

"The forecast is for periods of showers and thunderstorms which may be heavy at times, to affect sections of most parishes, especially southern and north-western parishes tonight, tomorrow and through to the middle of the week," the Met Service stated.

It added that, "Strong gusty winds are also expected across southern parishes and offshore marine areas".

Fishers and other marine interests should exercise caution as sea conditions will deteriorate due to thunderstorms and strong gusty winds.

The Met Service said a flash flood watch means that "flash flooding is possible".

On that score, residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Met Service, and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed, or if a warning is issued.

The Met Service said it will continue to monitor the weather system.