The Meteorological Office at Argyle International Airport has issued a flash flood watch for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as a tropical wave sweeps across the islands, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions. The island woke up to overcast skies and steady showers early Saturday morning, with a significant 24-hour rainfall of 120 mm recorded. As the day unfolds, weather conditions are expected to worsen, with pockets of moderate to heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms.
Currently, winds are blowing southward at 15 km/h (9 mph) with a high relative humidity of 92%, creating an atmosphere ripe for continued showers and potential flash floods. Temperatures dropped to a cool 24.4 °C as the tropical wave began to impact the region. Yesterday’s maximum temperature reached 31.8 °C, a stark contrast to the cooler, damp conditions residents are experiencing today.
The flash flood watch warns residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant. With rain expected to persist throughout the day, officials urge people to avoid areas near rivers, streams, and low-lying zones that may flood rapidly. Local authorities are also advising small craft operators and beachgoers to exercise extreme caution as above-normal sea swells have been reported.
The Meteorological Office projects that winds will shift to a southeasterly to easterly direction, accelerating to speeds of 20-35 km/h (12-22 mph). Sea conditions are anticipated to remain rough, especially in open water, with swells ranging between 1.5 to 2.0 meters.
SVG residents are advised to stay informed, heed all safety warnings, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas. The flash flood watch will remain in effect until further notice, as authorities continue to monitor the tropical wave’s impact across the islands.
For those curious about the weather across the region, conditions are varied. Nearby Trinidad and Barbados report fair skies at 28 °C and 29 °C, respectively, while Antigua and San Juan are partly cloudy. Meanwhile, New York and London are experiencing colder conditions with temperatures around 8 °C, though fair and overcast, respectively.
With stormy skies and potential hazards ahead, SVG’s residents brace themselves for another challenging weather day, hoping to ride out the tropical wave with safety and caution.