Flash flood watch issued for eight Jamaican parishes as tropical wave brings heavy rain

Jamaica remained on weather alert Tuesday evening after a flash flood watch was placed over several parishes as heavy rain affected sections of the island.

The watch applies to low-lying and flood-vulnerable communities in Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine, St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew. It is scheduled to remain in force until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Forecasters said the unsettled conditions are being caused by an active tropical wave moving across Jamaica while interacting with an upper-level trough. That weather pattern is expected to keep the atmosphere unstable through late Wednesday afternoon.

Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected, with southern parishes facing particular concern. Weather officials warned that flooding could become dangerous in affected areas, especially where drains, gullies, rivers or roadways are already vulnerable during heavy rainfall.

Marine conditions are also expected to worsen. Strong winds are forecast along southern coastal areas and offshore waters, prompting fishers and other marine interests to use extreme caution as seas become rougher.

By Tuesday afternoon, the weather was already causing disruption in St. Thomas. A section of the Yallahs main road became flooded around 3 p.m. after heavy showers moved through the area, affecting the movement of traffic.