A tropical system moving through the Leeward Islands late Wednesday into early Thursday morning has created heavy rains, thunderstorm and lighting in St Kitts-Nevis resulting in severe flooding in low lying areas of St Kitts. Freedom Fm spoke to the Senior Met Officer at RLB International Airport Elmo Burke “A Flash Flood Warning Means That Moderate To Major Flooding Is Imminent Or Occurring In Low Lying And Flood Prone Areas. An Active Tropical Wave Along With An Upper Level Trough Over The Northeast Caribbean Is Influencing The Weather Over The Leeward Islands And If You Are In The Warning Area Move Quickly To Higher Ground Immediately. Residents Living Along Streams, Creeks, Low Lying And Flood Prone Areas Should Take Immediate Precautions To Protect Life And Property. Do Not Attempt To Cross Swiftly Flowing Waters Or Waters Of Unknown Depth By Foot Or By Vehicle. Note, Just One Foot Of Flowing Water Is Enough To Sweep Vehicles Off The Road. When Encountering Flooded Roads Be Extremely Cautious, And If In Doubt, Make The Smart Choice, Turn Around Don’t Drown. Move To Higher Ground. Already, Up To 4.60 Inches Of Rain Have Fallen In Some Places In The Last 12 Hours And Another 2 Or More Inches Are Likely In The Next 6 Hours. Hence, Moderate To Major Flooding Of Low Lying And Flood Prone Areas Is Expected. The Meteorological Service Will Continue To Monitor The Situation. Please Call 463-4638 Or Stay Tuned To Local Radio And Tv Stations For Later Statements”.
Freedom Fm also spoke to NEMA Coordinator Carl Herbert who gave this weather update “The general public is advised that as a result of the inclement weather that is being experienced and the unsafe road conditions the Government of St. Kitts-Nevis has decided that in the interest of public safety, there will be no work for the rest of this morning. Residents are advised that if they are at a safe place they should remain there and not risk their lives to cross ghauts that might be flowing heavily”.
Meanwhile in St Kitts- Nevis the Ministry of Education Announces that ALL Schools in the Federation are closed today Thursday June 29th as a result of the stormy weather. Kindly keep your children safe in doors.
Meanwhile as parts of St Kitts are without electricity SKELEC has issued the following advisory-that crews are out restoring electricity in the Needsmust area, patrols are being done from Buckleys to West Farm and that the St Peters are is also being patrolled and that restoration time for electricity could take up to 2 hours.
And due to the inclement weather the Allure of the Seas has departed. All stakeholders are asked to take note and govern themselves accordingly.