The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has placed all emergency mechanisms on stand-by in case of emergencies as a flash-flood watch is in effect for low-lying and flood-prone areas of eastern and central parishes.

The Meteorological Service yesterday issued the flash-flood watch effective until today.

This is a result of weather features, including a surface to middle-level trough and tropical wave east of the island, which are currently influencing weather conditions over the central Caribbean.

"As these systems interact, the island is expected to continue experiencing outbreaks of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoons, over the weekend," a release from the Met Service said.

Ronald Jackson, director general at ODPEM, told The Gleaner that the national search and rescue response team was prepared for any eventuality.

emergency shelters

"Since yesterday (Thursday), all phone numbers of the emergency team were double-checked just in case we need to activate emergency shelters," Mr. Jackson said.

The ODPEM's emergency teams include the Jamaica Defence Force, Ministry of Health and all parish councils.

A flash-flood watch means flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Meteorological Service, and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.