BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Tuesday 24th September 2019)– Residents of St.Kitts and Nevis are advised that  a flash flood watch is presently in effect for low lying and flood prone areas, valid from 7:30a.m.today (Tuesday) until 8 p.m. tonight stemming from the approaching system of Tropical Storm Karen.

According to the alert issued by Metrological Office in Antigua and Barbuda, a flash flood watch means that moderate to major flooding is possible but not imminent in the watch area noting that fash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

Residents in low lying and flood prone areas should make preparations for flooding to safe guard life and property. They should be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding rains develop or a flash flood warning is issued.

Tropical Storm Karen moving towards the Britsh Virgin Islands and feeder bands associated with this system is causing periodic moderate to heavy showers across St. Kitts and Nevis which is expected to continue throughout the day. 

Already, up to 1.5 inches of rain have fallen in some places in the last 12 hours and another 2 or more inches is possible in the next 12 hours. Hence, moderate to major flooding of low lying and flood prone areas is possible.

Notably, this flash flood watch also applies to the British Virgin Islands (BVI).