A trough system is expected to cause more unstable weather across St Kitts Nevis tonight. A flash flood watch is in effect until 8 pm this evening and warning may be required.
Issued at: 5pm Thursday 11th May, 2017
Present Weather: Overcast with light showers
Winds: A Gentle breeze of 12mph from the North northwest
Temperature: 26°C /78°F Max Temp: 30°C /85°F
Humidity: 93%
Sea Level Pressure: Near normal at 1012.9mbs or 29.91″
24hr rainfall at the R.L. Bradshaw Intl. at 2 pm: 0.2mm/0.01″
Amount of rainfall for the month of May: 42.4 mm/1.67″
Sunrise: Tom 5:41am
Sunset: Tom 6:34pm
Valid until 8: pm.
Seas: Moderate with heights not exceeding 1.5m or not exceeding 5ft.
Tomorrow Winds: Southeast at less than 12mph.
Weather Forecast for St. Kitts & Nevis:
A trough system is expected to cause more unstable weather across the area tonight. A flash flood watch is in effect until 8 pm this evening and warning may be required. The weather will improve by tomorrow. Possible rainfall total for the forecasted period is 10 to 40 mm (0.40 to 1.50 in).
Weather tonight:
Mostly cloudy with a 90 percent (or high) chance of more showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. A flash flood watch is in place for the entire federation. Residents in low lying areas are asked to exercise extreme caution or seek higher grounds if warranted. Motorists and bikers are asked to drive with extreme caution especially in places prone to mud slides and rock slides. Weather tomorrow: Partly sunny with a 30 percent (or moderate) chance of showers.
FLOOD AWARENESS TIPS
BEFORE A FLOOD
-Always monitor weather conditions
-Keep areas around your home free from garbage and debris that may block drains. Work with neighbours to achieve this in the wider community area.
-Purchase water proof storage bags to protect important documents.
-In case an evacuation is necessary, prepare a plan that takes disabled persons, the elderly, children and pets into account.
-Determine flood free routes to and from your home.
-Prepare a Disaster Survival Kit
-Make sure your insurance plan covers flooding.
-Ensure that everyone in the household knows how to turn off the utilities.
DURING A FLOOD WATCH/WARNING
-Monitor weather conditions.
-Check for rising water levels in the area.
-Tune into radio or TV for emergency instructions.
-Any electrical items stored on low shelves should be moved to higher areas where
water levels will not be expected.
-Double check that important documents have been moved to higher ground.
-Keep your Disaster Survival Kit in an easily accessible location in case you are told to
evacuate immediately.
-Begin to store drinking water in sealable containers.
DURING A FLOOD
-Turn off your water, electricity and gas supply at the main switches. Disconnect all electrical devices/appliances.
-Store additional drinking water if needed.
-Do not drive through a flooded road. Just a few inches of water can cause your car to
float and actual water depth isn’t always obvious. The roadbed may have collapsed or
been washed out under the water and you could get trapped or stranded.
-Never play in high water or storm drains, you may get swept away by fast-moving
water. Avoid swimming in flooded areas as the water often contains bacteria, downed
utility lines or chemicals that may cause harm.
-Don’t attempt to cross rivers or flowing streams if water is above the knees.
-Remember that some devices such as televisions can shock you even after they have
been unplugged. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
AFTER A FLOOD
-Only use devices/appliances after they have been dried, cleaned, checked for damage
and repaired.
-Report downed utility lines (electricity, water, gas, telephone) to the appropriate
authorities.
-Never switch on the main if the building has been under water, wait for professional
assistance.
-Look out for electrical/fire hazards such as broken electrical wires.
-Chemicals and flammable substances may have spilled during the flood. Avoid using
lanterns and torches, use flashlights instead.
-Boil water before using. Wash cans thoroughly before opening. Dispose of damaged
canned foods as they may have been contaminated.
-If you are not assisting with search and rescue, keep away from disaster areas as your
presence may hamper rescue efforts.
-Do a damage assessment.
-If you are a visitor, you should report your location and condition to the relevant
authorities.