Unstable weather continues to affect the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

Residents are being urged to exercise caution driving across ponded roads as holes that are not visible may be deep and can cause damage to vehicles or injury. Photo: VINO

And more heavy showers are forecast for this afternoon, November 19, 2017.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, the presence of a weak trough, along with a moist and unstable atmosphere will continue to heighten the chance of showers over the [British] Virgin Islands. Satellite imagery has been showing quite a lot of low and high level clouds over the Virgin Islands, particularly the [British] Virgin Islands.

“The models are also suggesting that the moisture and instability associated with a weak trough currently over the British Virgin Islands will be further enhanced by the tail of a frontal trough that is expected to advance further east into the area. Therefore, for the remainder of the day and tomorrow, shower and thunderstorm activity will remain high over the British Virgin Islands. With daytime heating being strongest in the afternoon, these showers could be enhanced,” the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) stated on its website today, November 19, 2017.

Possible dangers

No watches or warnings have been issued; however, the DDM stated that the Met Office will continue to monitor the conditions and advise accordingly. Flash Flood Watches or Warnings can be issued at short notice; therefore, residents should take the necessary precautions as the territory is highly saturated and any major duration of showers could enhance flooding.

In addition, with the soils in the Territory already saturated, additional rainfall can cause ponding on roads, extreme hillside water run-off, increased mudslides and falling rocks.

Residents are urged to exercise caution while driving and pay close attention to undermined sections of roads.

“Do not attempt to drive in fast moving water and caution should be exercised while driving across roads that are not visible due to flooding. Residents are also urged to exercise caution driving across ponded roads as holes that are not visible may be deep and can cause damage to vehicles or injury.”