Flash Flood Warning Now in Effect for Low-Lying and Flood Prone Areas of Southern Parishes – NEWS RELEASE #3

NEWS RELEASE #3

ISSUED ON: Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 1:45 p.m.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been advised by the Meteorological Service that the flash flood watch has been upgraded to a Flash Flood Warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of southern parishes, while a flash flood watch remains in effect for northern parishes until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding has been reported or will occur shortly while a Flash Flood Watch means flash flooding is possible.

Meanwhile, reports coming into the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) from the St. Thomas Parish Council are that large trucks that exceed the 10 tonne capacity of the Easington Bridge continue to use this route as an alternate to the Yallahs Ford. Truck drivers are urged to desist from using this route out of fear that the bridge may collapse and eliminate the only viable alternative to the Yallahs Ford.

The public is advised to continue monitoring the radio for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions:

• Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
• Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
• Move your refrigerator, stove and furniture to a higher floor, or place them on building blocks and secure to the wall.
• Do not walk outside barefooted during or after the flood event.
• Bury all dead animals right after flooding has subsided.

Fishers and other marine interests must exercise caution due to rough sea conditions in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms, especially over southern waters.

The Meteorological Service and ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided as the situation demands.Contact: Kerry-Ann Morris, Information Officer