NATURE OF EVENT

The Meteorological Service has advised that a Trough west of Jamaica has been influencing the weather conditions across the island since Saturday night. Satellite imagery and Radar reports indicated light to moderate showers across affected all parishes especially sections of central and eastern parishes throughout the night.

Current projections are for light to moderate and at times heavy showers, along with thunderstorms, to continue affecting sections of all parishes through to Thursday May 18, 2017.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is urging citizens to continue to be vigilant as the rainfall affecting sections of the island is expected to continue through-out the day. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has advised that the Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for low-lying and flood prone areas of St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

Mr. Speaker…

• The Trough that affected the western Caribbean and brought sustained light to heavy rains to Jamaica since late last week, is expected to dissipate today.
• In the space of a few short days, a number of parishes have been affected by flooding and landslides, as a result of the extensive rains influenced by the Trough.
• In Clarendon alone Mr. Speaker, information from the National Meteorological Service is that almost 10 inches of rain was dumped on the parish in two days.

By Latonya Linton April 26, 2017

Story Highlights

• Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government are now assessing the full impact of the rains that swept the island last week.

• “The intention is to use this information to implement a comprehensive Assistance Programme to restore dignity to our affected citizens. The details of the programme will be shared with the House in due course,” he said.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has advised that there is currently a frontal system located West of Jamaica. The system should be within the island’s vicinity this evening and forecasted to travel across the island tomorrow.

Periodic outbreak of showers in the North Eastern section of the island has resulted in incidences of flooding being reported in the parish of Portland.

Reports