Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have activated multiple weather alerts, including a flash flood watch that will remain in effect across the entire island chain through 2 p.m. local time Saturday. The alerts come in response to a robust tropical wave moving toward the region, which is forecast to bring severe weather conditions through the weekend.
According to an official press statement from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services, the approaching system will drive widespread overcast conditions, intense downpours, sudden gusty winds, and severe thunderstorms across the islands. Forecasters project total rainfall accumulation will reach between 50 and 75 millimeters (2 to 3 inches) across most areas, with higher totals possible in higher elevation mountainous zones that are already vulnerable to runoff and slope instability. Two additional weather advisories – a high wind advisory and a small-craft advisory – will remain active until 6 p.m. Saturday, covering coastal and maritime areas.
Current conditions along St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ coastlines, especially along the northern and eastern shores, already see sustained winds between 23 and 29 miles per hour. Dangerous rough seas with swells measuring 8 to 10 feet are also battering exposed coastal zones, creating major hazards for both small vessels and recreational water users. Maritime operators are strongly encouraged to properly moor and secure all watercraft and fishing equipment before the worst of the weather arrives. Officials note only heavy-duty vessels engineered to withstand rough open water conditions should consider putting out to sea over the alert period, while beachgoers and swimmers have been issued a strict warning to avoid entering the water entirely.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has urged all residents, particularly those in at-risk areas, to complete immediate preparedness steps to reduce risk ahead of the storm. Residents who live in zones prone to flooding or landslides, or who reside near rivers and streams, are told to remain on high alert, as the current flood watch could be upgraded to a more urgent flood warning if weather conditions deteriorate faster than expected.
NEMO’s key preparedness guidance asks all households and businesses to first review and activate their established family emergency plans and business continuity protocols, and to subscribe to the iWitness News WhatsApp Channel to receive real-time updates. Those in high-risk flood and landslide zones are instructed to make preparations to evacuate on short notice if ordered by authorities. Additional recommended steps include securing loose items that could be blown away by high winds, clearing blocked household drainage systems to prevent water buildup, and trimming overhanging tree branches that could pose a falling hazard during gusty weather. Households are also reminded to stockpile at least a three-day supply of clean drinking water and non-perishable food to sustain them through potential power outages or road disruptions.
Officials from both NEMO and the Meteorological Services confirmed that they will continue round-the-clock monitoring of the tropical wave, and will issue new official updates to the public as conditions evolve.