FLASH FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR THE VI

5^th October 2010 – 10AM – The Antigua Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Virgin Islands until 2PM. A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring in the warned area. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood after a heavy rain. A flash flood watch remains in effect until Wednesday afternoon.

 Tropical Disturbance 57 is a low pressure area located near 17.9N/65.2W. It is moving slowly to the northwest. Most of the associated thunderstorm activity is located to the east of the surface low, across the Virgin Islands and Leeward Islands.

 The low is expected to move to the west-northwest to northwest over the next 36 to 48 hours. After this time, an approaching cold front will cause it to turn to the northeast, into the open Atlantic.

 Environmental conditions are expected to become more favorable once the center of the disturbance moves north of the islands and it could become a tropical depression or tropical storm.

 Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue for the next 24 hours in the Leeward Islands and the Virgin Islands. These rains could result in localized flooding. Wind gusts to tropical storm force are also likely within the squalls.

 The public is again reminded that we are in the peak of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Persons in flood prone areas are to be on high alert at all times. Having an evacuation plan and knowing where the shelters are is encouraged. Personal belongings should be secured on upper shelves in homes that are in flood prone areas. Persons are also reminded not to engage in activities that may block the natural waterways.

 DDM will continue to monitor this system and provide releases as necessary. Please visit the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com for continuously updated information.