A flash flood watch is in effect for flash-flood prone areas of Montserrat until 5 o’clock this afternoon. The flash flood threat level is moderate and there is the potential for significant impacts in the watch area. To be safe, implement your flood plan. Synopsis: The proximity of tropical disturbance AL98 will keep the weather unsettled. This will result in periods of rain or showers, with some likely heavy and possibly thundery. Rainfall rates of 2 inches per hour or more will produce minor flooding and may produce moderate or worse flash flooding. A flash flood watch means that flooding is possible but not imminent in the watch area. Potential impacts: Localised disruption to transportation; interruption of school hours; localised population displacement; erosion; environmental degradation; localised damage to dams, embankment, irrigation and drainage facilities; high sediments transport into the reservoir; localised disruption to communication; localised contamination of potable water; localised loss of livestock; financial losses; injuries; temporary stoppage of health services and damage to infrastructure. Caution: Residents in flash-flood prone areas should make preparations to protect life, property and livelihood against flooding and be prepared to move to higher ground if heavy rains develop. Forecaster Dale Destin

POSSIBLE RAINFALL TOTAL FOR THE FORECAST PERIOD IS 3 TO 6 INCHES. IN LIGHT OF THE EXPECTED RAINFALL AND THE SOIL ALREADY SATURATED; A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN PLACE FOR MONTSERRAT

WEATHER TONIGHT: OVERCAST WITH SHOWERS AND A 70 PERCENT OR HIGH CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. SOME OF THE SHOWERS WILL BE HEAVY AT TIME!

Following the completion of a damage assessment of the island’s roads from Salem to Look Out by the Disaster Management Coordination Agency and the Public Works Department, a Flash Flood Watch issued for Montserrat by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the possibility of further landslides, rockfalls and flooding, the already saturated nature of the soil and the Public Works Department not being able to complete clearing of the road works island-wide; the Government of Montserrat has taken a decision to close all schools and government offices with immediate effect. Persons are asked to stay put to allow the Public Works Department to clear all roads and also due to the possibility of further rockfalls, landslides and flooding. A further update will be given later today.

Residents south of the Belham Valley River who are stranded particularly those in Isles Bay are asked to contact the DMCA on 491-7166 or 491-3076 if you have any urgent medical or humanitarian needs. Residents should not attempt to cross the Belham Valley as this can be extremely dangerous. Vehicles can be easily swept away or stall in flowing water. The Public Works Department is assessing the situation at the Belham Valley River.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a flash flood watch for low lying and flood-prone areas of Montserrat until 8 am tomorrow Wednesday, November 10, 2020. A flash flood watch means that moderate to major flooding is possible but not imminent in the watch area. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Residents in low lying and flood-prone areas should make preparations for flooding to safeguard life and property. They should be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding rains develop or a flash flood warning is issued. An area of disturbed weather in combination with a southeasterly wind flow, aided by a moist environment and critical upper-level support, favours the formation of moderate to heavy precipitation over the Leewards and BVI later today and into tonight. already, up to 4 inches of rain have fallen in some places in the last 12 hours and another 3 or more inches is possible in the next 24 hours. Residents are advised that the watch could be upgraded to warning at short notice. Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services will continue to monitor the weather situation. Please stay tuned to local radio or television for watch updates and possible warnings. ForecasterLenard Josiah Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services

RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS COULD TOTAL 1 TO 3 INCHES.

WEATHER TONIGHT: Cloudy with showers which could become moderate to heavy at times with thunderstorms also possible. WEATHER TOMORROW: Generally Cloudy with showers which could become moderate to heavy at times with thunderstorms also possible. WINDS: Southeast with speeds10 to 18 knots with possible gusts to as high as 28 knots mainly during showers. Remember, the safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors and away from windows. If you can hear the thunder, you should stop what you are doing immediately and go inside a building. Structures like tents are not safe. If you are outside with no buildings or cars nearby, and absolutely have to stay outdoors, avoid standing near tall, isolated trees. Also, avoid open fields and hills. Lightning is more likely to strike in these areas. Lightning can strike the same place more than once.

Today, partly sunny skies in general with a 40% chance of brief passing showers due to a moderate trade wind flow generated by a ridge of high pressure.

Winds: East at 15 to 26 km/h or 8 to 14 knots with lighter spells overnight.

A beautiful day on the Emerald Isle Day, partly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers! 90 Degrees Fahrenheit today! Winds: East to east-southeast 15 to 30 km/h or 8 to 16 knots and gusting to 48km/h or 26 knots!