Eastern Jamaica is grappling with severe transportation disruptions as relentless rainfall continues to batter the region, prompting urgent safety advisories from the National Works Agency (NWA). The persistent precipitation has resulted in extensive flooding, clogged drainage systems, and significant silt accumulation across major road networks.
Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, issued an official statement on Friday identifying the most critically affected zones. The coastal corridor stretching from Ocho Rios in St Ann to Port Antonio in Portland has experienced the most substantial infrastructure challenges, with multiple communities reporting impassable road conditions.
Specific impact assessments reveal that St Mary parish is confronting severe flooding in Rio Nuevo, Stewart Town, and Port Maria. The situation is particularly dire in Annotto Bay, where the Mother Ford drain has reached maximum capacity, creating additional flood risks. Meanwhile, in Portland, primary transportation routes through St Margarets Bay, Orange Bay, and Windsor Castle have been compromised by water accumulation and debris.
The NWA has issued emphatic warnings to all travelers, explicitly urging motorists to avoid attempting passage through heavily flooded roadways. Pedestrians have similarly been advised to seek alternative routes and exercise extreme caution when navigating affected areas. The adverse weather conditions are attributed to an atmospheric trough that has settled over the eastern parishes, sustaining the prolonged rainfall pattern that shows no immediate signs of abating. Transportation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while recommending that residents prioritize safety measures and stay informed through official channels.