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