Saint Lucians are being urged to remain vigilant as a tropical wave continues to affect the island, bringing another spell of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds following periods of unsettled weather.
In a weather alert issued Monday, October 5, the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services warned that the adverse conditions are expected to persist overnight into Tuesday morning, with the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The warning comes as residents in several parts of the island have already been contending with bouts of heavy rainfall and deteriorating weather conditions.
The Meteorological Services’ official 24-hour forecast calls for generally cloudy skies with scattered moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. Winds are expected from the east to southeast at approximately 18 mph or 30 km/h.
Authorities are particularly urging motorists to exercise caution, especially when travelling through areas susceptible to flooding or where heavy rainfall may significantly reduce visibility.
“Possible localized flooding in low-lying areas,” the Meteorological Services cautioned in its latest weather alert, while advising the public to continue monitoring official updates.
The weather is also creating potentially hazardous conditions at sea.
According to the latest forecast, seas around Saint Lucia are expected to be moderate to locally rough, with waves and swells reaching between five and eight feet, or approximately 1.5 to 2.4 metres. Small craft operators and sea bathers have consequently been advised to exercise caution.
The Meteorological Services said the tropical wave is responsible for generating cloudiness, showers and isolated thunderstorms not only over Saint Lucia but across the wider Lesser Antilles.
Unsettled conditions could also linger beyond Monday night.
With the ground in some areas potentially becoming increasingly saturated during prolonged or intense rainfall, residents in communities prone to flooding and landslides are being encouraged to remain particularly vigilant.
Motorists should avoid attempting to cross flooded roadways where the depth or strength of flowing water cannot be determined, while residents are encouraged to continue following bulletins from the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services as conditions develop.
