The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) on Thursday urged residents and motorists in low lying areas, areas prone to flooding, lahar or mudflows and landslides to be vigilant and exercise caution.
A flash flood watch is in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) until further notice, NEMO said, noting that the SVG Meteorological Services has advised that a trough system continues to affect the country.
Cloudy to overcast skies, pockets of light to heavy showers, periods of light rain and isolated thunderstorms are anticipated across the country.
Fresh to strong (35-40 km/h) wind speeds are also anticipated during the upcoming days and squally conditions/higher gusts are likely to accompany showers.
A marine advisory for above normal sea swells also remains in effect. Small craft operators and sea bathers should continue to exercise caution for above normal sea swells and occasional gusty winds.
Rainfall accumulations of 75 mm – 125 mm (approximately 3-5 inches) with isolated higher amounts in mountainous areas are possible within the upcoming days.
Prolonged rainfall increases the possibility of landslides.
A flood-watch is issued when conditions are favourable and there exists the possibility of flooding during the watch period. This flash-flood watch may be upgraded to a warning at any time, NEMO said.
“The National Emergency Management Organisation urges all residents, especially persons living near rivers and streams, to be vigilant. Residents in the red and orange volcano hazard zones are also advised to be vigilant and exercise caution as lahar flows within the river system are still possible,” NEMO said.
A lahar is a dense mixture of volcanic ash and water which usually occurs during heavy rain and creates dangerous mudflow that can destroy everything in its path as it rushes down the volcano’s slopes and rivers.
Residents and motorists are asked to continue to monitor, listen to updates from theSVG Meteorological Services and exercise extreme caution when traversing areas that are prone to flooding and landslides.