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The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Virgin Islands through 4 a.m. on Tuesday, forecasting the possibility of significant rainfall over the next few days.
According to the National Weather Service, from Sunday evening through late Monday night a trough of low pressure across the Bahamas into the western Caribbean will continue to deepen and pull tropical moisture northward into the area through Tuesday morning. Upper mid-level disturbances will move eastward across the Virgin Islands over the next 48 hours and result in frequent showers and thunderstorms, some of which could produce very heavy rainfall in a short period of time due to the abundant moisture.
The Territory will experience widespread clouds and high chances of rain during the first part of the week, however, the National Weather Service is forecasting early Tuesday morning as having the highest probabilities of significant rainfall and the greatest risk of flooding. The Virgin Islands may receive between three to five inches of rain or higher amounts in localized areas, which could fall in a short period of time causing flooding of small streams and urban areas.
VITEMA joins with the National Weather Service in encouraging the community to check their preparedness requirements, to stay informed and to be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a flash flood warning is issued. Motorists are also advised to traveling through pooled water and to avoid areas that are prone to flooding. The heavy rain could also cause mudslides in areas of steep terrain.
“We especially want to encourage everyone enjoying the Carnival activities on St. Thomas, particularly those with children, to take extra precautions to be prepared for heavy downpours and use extreme caution while traversing the roadways,” said Elton
Lewis, VITEMA Director. “Safety must be our first priority.”
Stay tuned to local radio or cable television, or the NOAA weather radio for updated statements and possible warnings. Weather information and alerts and advisories are also available on the web at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/sju
or at http://weather.gov
or www.VITEMA.gov/alerts.
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