The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has extended the flash flood warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, Portland, and St Mary effective until 5:00 pm Saturday.

In a release at 6am on Saturday, the met office said a broad trough of low pressure (former Potential Tropical Cyclone 22) is still producing a large area of showers and thunderstorms across the north-central Caribbean, and that it will continue to produce showers and occasional thunderstorms across sections of Jamaica.

It said observations indicate that light to moderate and occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms have been affecting mainly eastern parishes over the last several hours.

The forecast is for isolated showers to continue affecting eastern parishes through to Saturday afternoon, with partly cloudy conditions elsewhere. Weather conditions are expected to further improve afterwards.

Given the large amounts of rainfall received since Wednesday night and the resulting ground saturation, any additional rainfall is very likely to result in further flooding, the Met Service said.

A flash flood warning means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

Meanwhile, the Met Service discontinued the flash flood warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, and Westmoreland effective immediately.

It also immediately discontinued the flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Ann, Trelawny, St James and Hanover.