The National Works Agency (NWA) yesterday commenced work to prevent further erosion of the main road between Orange Bay and Windsor Castle in Portland, which was caused by inclement weather.

The Meteorological (Met) Office said yesterday that a cold front west of Jamaica along with a strong high pressure system over the north-western Caribbean is influencing the weather across the island.

The road, which is part of the north coast highway, was yesterday closed in the vicinity of the tax office in Buff Bay, due to the significant erosion.

Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, said in a release yesterday that the NWA started the process to protect the sea wall in order to prevent a complete collapse of the retaining structure.

Boulders were yesterday being used to assist in reducing the impact of the wave action on the retaining wall.

Shaw said that the NWA would continue working today.

Strong wave action had left the affected section of the roadway with a huge cavity that impacted half of the section of the roadway, the NWA release stated.

As a result of the closure, motorists travelling from the direction of Buff Bay Square to Port Antonio were being re-routed along East Norman Lane, then onto Lynch Park Road, exiting beside the Sports Complex. The reverse obtained for people travelling from Port Antonio.

Meanwhile, the Met Office said yesterday that a flash flood watch for the low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Mary, Portland and St Thomas remains effective until 7:00 am today.

A flash flood watch means that flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, including being ready for evacuation if flooding is observed or a flash flood warning is issued.