KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is advising that a flash flood watch is in effect for low-lying and flood-prone areas of Hanover, St James, Trelawny, St Ann, St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth.

The watch will remain in effect until 5:00pm today. 

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

According to the Met Service, a slow-moving cold front across Jamaica continues to influence weather conditions across the island. 

Forecasters said the cold front is projected to linger across the island, resulting in more unstable weather conditions for the next two days.

Satellite imagery and rainfall data indicate that periods of light to moderate showers and thunderstorms have been affecting sections of mainly northern and southeastern parishes throughout the night. 

The Met Service forecast is for cloudy conditions with periods of showers and isolated thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times to continue to affect the island today into tonight. 

Flash flooding is therefore possible over low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes.