KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has upgraded the flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of Trelawny, St Ann, St Mary and Portland to a flash flood warning until 5:00pm today.

It said it continued the flash flood watch for low lying and flood prone areas of St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, Hanover and St James, as a cold front across Jamaica continues to produce unstable weather conditions.

Satellite imagery and radar reports indicate that light to moderate and at times heavy showers affected sections of mainly northern parishes since last night and flooding has been reported in sections of Trelawny and St Ann.

The forecast is for periods of showers and thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times, to continue to affect sections of most parishes especially northern parishes today through to tomorrow. Further flash flooding is therefore expected over some low-lying and flood-prone areas.

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.

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