Several parishes under flash flood watch amid heavy rains

The Meteorological Service has issued a flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester.

The watch will remain in place until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 05.

A flash flood watch means that flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.

The Met office says a broad trough across the central Caribbean has been producing unstable weather across Jamaica since last night.

Satellite imagery and rainfall reports indicate that moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms have been occurring primarily across eastern and south-central parishes over the last few hours.

This activity is forecast to continue this morning, while spreading across the rest of the island this afternoon and evening.

Lingering afternoon showers are expected across most parishes on Monday.

Sea conditions will also deteriorate in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms.

Fishers and other marine interests, especially inshore and offshore the south coast, should therefore exercise caution.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.