BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS a tropical wave passes near the Northwest Caribbean and as it is expected that another would be affecting the area sometime tomorrow (Aug. 5), the St. Kitts Meteorological Office has issued a flashflood watch for the Federation.
In its most-recent weather bulletin issued this afternoon, the Met Office informed that the watch “is in effect for low lying areas and flood prone areas” across St. Kitts and Nevis and remains valid until 10:00pm this evening.
“This weather condition is due to the passage of an active tropical wave across the area. Moisture and instability associated with the wave is expected to linger until tomorrow morning. Some heavy rainfall are also likely to develop this evening and isolated thunderstorms as well.
“Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should 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, move to higher ground.”
The bulletin informs that the forecast for tonight is “Cloudy with a high chance showers during the morning” with a chance of the development of thunderstorms and for tomorrow, the forecast is “partly cloudy with a chance of some brief passing showers. By the afternoon, cloudy to overcast with a high chance of showers and thunderstorms.”
SKNVibes understands that this evening’s forecast is as a result of the passing tropical wave and tomorrow’s is based on the approaching weather disturbance.
A flashflood watch “means that conditions may develop that lead to moderate to major flooding in low lying and flood prone areas”.
The people of St. Kitts and Nevis are advised that a flashflood watch can be upgraded to a warning at any time and as such, it is best to stay in tune with the weather forecasts.
