By Demion McTair. Updated 6:46 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
A flash-flood watch is in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines from 6 p.m. today, May 6, 2021.
According to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services – SVG MET, the watch will remain in effect until 12 Noon Sunday, May 9, 2021.
A Flood Watch means that the conditions are favourable and there exists the possibility of flooding within the watch area.
The flood watch may be upgraded to a warning if conditions warrant.
The SVG MET says residents and motorists in areas prone to flash-flooding and landslides, or near rivers and streams should be prepared.
In its 72 Hours Weather Outlook issued on May 6, the SVG MET said
Light to moderate showers are likely tonight into tomorrow across St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a result of unstable conditions interacting with a favourable mid to upper-level environment.
Occasional showers could be expected on Friday, but more significantly, as additional moisture crosses the islands, moderate to heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds and periods of rain are forecast for Saturday, it added.
Of particular concern are the lahars (mudflows) to which these heavy rains can contribute.
In a release today, the National Emergency Management Organization – NEMO said today that Lahars (mudflows) continue to pose a dangerous threat to the river valleys surrounding the volcano including Wallibou and Rabacca.
Mudflows observed over the past several days were composed of boulders up to 5m (15 feet) in diameter, NEMO said.
Scientists also observed steaming flows, which are likely due to contact with and incorporation of hot volcanic deposits, NEMO added.
NEMO said lahars can cause damage to property and serious injury to persons in their path.
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