Forecasters on Saturday evening announced a flood watch for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as models suggest that a strong tropical wave is likely to develop gradually on the weekend.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hurricane hunter aircraft investigated a strong tropical wave with its axis now near 58°W, south of 15°N Saturday afternoon and found that the wave lacks a well-defined circulation.
Although the system continues to be disorganised, some gradual development remains likely later this weekend or early next week as the system moves quickly westward crossing the Windward Islands later Saturday night (tonight) into Sunday.
Regardless of development, brisk surface winds of 25 to 30kt (45 to 55km/h) with higher gusts and pockets of moderate to heavy showers are anticipated with rainfall accumulations of 100 to 150mm (4 to 6 inches) possible over SVG during the passage of this system, forecaster say.
Therefore, a flash flood watch is in effect for SVG from 6 p.m. today until 6 p.m. Monday.
A flash-flood watch means that flooding due to heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time (generally less than six hours) is possible within the watch area.
Persons living near rivers and streams, in flood prone areas and areas prone to land-slippage and landslides should take all necessary precautions, forecasters say.
In addition, deteriorating sea-conditions with east-southeasterly swells of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) are likely.
A high-surf advisory and small-craft warning are also in effect from 6 p.m. today, until 6: a.m. Monday.
A high-surf advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone.
In this case, a small-craft warning means that wind-speeds of 25 to 30kt (45 to 55km/h) and /or seas greater than 3 metres (10ft) will be affecting the marine area.
This flood watch may be upgraded to a warning if conditions warrant.