Weather Update: Barbados under Flood Watch, Tropical Storm Ernesto posing threat

Barbados: A flash flood warning has been issued for Barbados as the unstable conditions will persist as feeder bands associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto might likely to impact the island nation.

This Flash Flood Watch is valid from 6:00 AM Tuesday 13th August 2024 and will be terminated at 12:00 noon Tuesday 13th August 2024 or sooner if conditions warrant.

As per the report shared by Barbados Meteorological Services, over the last 12 hours the island nation has observed rainfall accumulations between 1 and 2 inches across the country. As feeder bands associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto impact the island today, heavy to intense showers and thunderstorm activity will remain likely and a further 1 to 2 inches are possible across the island. As a result, the Flash-Flood Watch has been extended.

The Meteorological Department also shared the impact of these flash flood warning, as the citizens can witness possible moderate to significant Soil erosion on bared or scarred land surfaces. Along with that, the water settlements on roads and fields can also lead to commuting delays and possible isolated diversions.

The flash flood may also increase in water levels of existing water bodies such as ponds, etc and marginally invasive excess water on roads, fields, storm drains/water canals, and on ither properties. Therefore, the authorities asked all the residents and visitors be aware that this alert could elevate to red.

According to the details shared by Meteorological Services of Barbados, the winds are expected to be fresh south-southwesterly to southwesterly breeze from 45 to 30 km/h (28 to 19 mph) with higher gusts near showers. Meanwhile, as per the general forecast, the weather is currently cloudy which may overcast with scattered heavy to intense showers and can cause a medium chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Moreover, the authorities have also urged the public to keep on monitoring the BMS, DEM and GIS websites and their respective social media pages along with the local media networks for further updates.

They have also shared the preventive measures in order to ensure the safety and security of all the passengers. The authorities have asked the citizens to avoid any travel plans and have been asked to stay indoors and secure their homes by locking windows and doors.

Moreover, the citizens of Barbados have also been urged to keep an emergency kit for themselves which should contain essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications and flashlights. They have also asked the citizens to ensure that these food essentials should sustain for at least 72 hours in case of emergency.