30th April 2018 – A low-level trough system is forecast to be in the local area from around Wednesday bringing abundant moisture which may develop into showers and thunderstorms. As a result, heavy downpours are possible which could lead to flooding. Such conditions could continue into Saturday. The BVI is moving into one of the wettest months of the year according to captured rainfall statistics. By Sunday conditions are expected to gradually improve; however, due to day time heating and lingering moisture, a surge in unsettling weather may once again return on Monday.
Persons living in flood prone areas or those who have not yet completed repairs to their homes, should take the necessary precautions. Further updates will be provided as more information and future forecasts become available. The DDM urges residents to review their flood plans and make preparations. If you do not have a flood plan available, below are a few tips persons can use to prepare in the event such conditions lead to flooding in the coming days.
BEFORE A FLOOD
- If you have a roof that leaks and have an idea of where the leak is, now is the time to fix it.
- Construct barriers (floodwalls or sandbags) to stop floodwater from entering your home or businesses.
- Pay attention to localized weather information as it is the best representation of conditions in your local area.
- If a flood is likely in your area, seek official and credible sources for such information.
- Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is possible. A warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon.
WHEN A FLOOD IS IMMINENT
- Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications.
- If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
- If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
- If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances.
DURING A FLOOD
- Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of moving water can make you fall.
- If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
AFTER A FLOOD
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Avoid moving water.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the BVIEC.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
