Barbados remains under an official Flash Flood Watch following persistent overnight rainfall, with meteorological authorities forecasting continued precipitation through Friday morning. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) reported that moderate to heavy showers commenced after 1:00 a.m. on January 30, with certain regions already recording approximately two inches (50mm) of rainfall. Forecast models indicate an additional one to two inches (25mm-50mm) could accumulate within the coming hours.
The meteorological agency has elevated flood risk assessments to moderate levels, highlighting several potential hazards including significant soil erosion on unprotected terrain, substantial water accumulation on roadways and agricultural fields, elevated water levels in natural waterways and irrigation canals, and possible overflow incidents involving storm drainage systems affecting both transportation routes and adjacent properties.
Civil protection authorities have issued urgent advisories for citizens to maintain continuous monitoring of official communications from the Barbados Meteorological Services, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the Government Information Service (GIS), and accredited media organizations. A Flash Flood Watch designation signifies that atmospheric and ground conditions have become conducive to potential flooding events developing over extended periods exceeding two hours, though actual flooding remains probabilistic rather than certain.
This weather advisory, originally disseminated at 3:00 a.m. on January 30, is scheduled for reassessment at 8:00 a.m. the same day, with provisions for earlier updates should meteorological conditions deteriorate. Residents seeking localized information are advised to consult the BMS official website, monitor verified social media channels, or utilize the emergency hotline numbers 976-2376 and 535-0022 for real-time guidance.