Jamaica’s Meteorological Service has extended the flash flood warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Hanover until 8:00 am on Monday.

At the same time, the Met Service has discontinued the flash flood warning for remaining parishes, effective immediately.

It says a trough, induced by Tropical Depression Nine (which is currently located near The Bahamas), continues to produce a large area of unstable weather across Jamaica. Satellite imagery, radar, and automated rainfall reports indicate that moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms occurred across sections of southern parishes and Hanover Saturday night into this morning.

The forecast is for periods of showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, to continue across the island, especially across southern parishes, into Monday. Consequently, flooding and landslides are likely, due to soil saturation as a result of significant rainfall since last Thursday.

Additionally, fishers on the cays and banks are urged to exercise extreme caution as sea conditions will continue to deteriorate in the vicinity of showers, thunderstorms and strong winds.

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.

The Met Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system.