BASSETERRE St. Kitts - THE Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is among some Caribbean countries which have been placed on flashflood watch beginning this afternoon, Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).
A release issued by the St. Kitts Meteorological Office explained that the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service issued the watch for “low lying and flood prone areas of Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands”.
The communique clearly indicated that the watch came into effect as of 4:00 this afternoon and ends tomorrow, Christmas Day (Dec. 25) at 8:00 in the evening. It also indicated that the likelihood exists that the “watch” would be upgraded to a “warning” sometime this evening.
As for the cause of this concern, the Met Office’s release explained that “A persistent trough over the northeast Caribbean is influencing the weather over the Leeward and British Virgin Islands, causing periodic heavy showers. Already, up to 2 inches of rain have fallen in some places in the last 12-18 hours and another 3 or more inches are possible in the next 12-24 hours...A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to moderate to major flooding in low lying and flood prone areas.”
Owing to the dangerous nature of flashfloods, the St. Kitts Met Office advises that individuals “monitor later forecasts and move quickly to higher ground if flash flooding is observed or imminent or if a flash flood warning is issued. Note, just one foot of flowing water is enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads, be extremely cautious, and if in doubt, make the smart choice, turn around don’t drown. Move to higher ground.”
Additionally, those living in or who traverse flood-prone areas such as College Street Ghaut and Westbourne Ghaut are asked to remove their vehicles therefrom and park them in more secure areas and try and much as possible to avoid use of those areas especially in during the period outlined by the St. Kitts Met Office.
It has advised that it will continue monitoring the situation and updates would be provided via radio and television stations.
