Flooding in western Jamaica

The National Works Agency (NWA) has mobilised response teams to deal with flooding in St.James and Hanover following heavy rain since Friday.
   
Two teams have been deployed to affected areas in Montego Bay.
   
Stephen Shaw, NWA Communication Manager, told RJR News that flooding in a section of  Irwin in St. James had rendered the road impassible.

The heavy rain has resulted in several business places and houses in Montego Bay being flooded.
   
When our correspondent visited several businesses in downtown Montego Bay, bar owners on Creek Street were engaged in mopping up activities.
   
The North Gully and the South Gully, which channel water from several communities, have been linked to the flooding, with residents saying the gullies and several drains are in need of  cleaning.   
 
The water had started to subside; however, the rain continues.
                                                      
Several houses in the Porto Bello housing scheme in Green Pond, Montego Bay were also flooded, with the pond having overflowed its banks.
    
Residents said they made calls to the fire service for assistance.

The heavy rains have also left a section of  the Sandy Bay Road in Hanover blocked by debris. The NWA is trying to clear the road.
  
Mr Shaw said the town of Lucea was also flooded.

Flash Flood Watch

Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood prone areas of  northern parishes. It will remain in effect until 7 o'clock tomorrow morning.
  
This means showers and thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times, are expected to affect Jamaica.
  
The forecast is for unstable weather conditions to occur across all parishes, especially northern and south-eastern parishes during the next 24 hours.
   
Flash flooding is likely over some low-lying and flood-prone areas.           
 
The Met office has given notice that temperatures are also expected to be noticeably below normal.
   
It is expected to move slowly towards the east over the next two days.