Parade postponed amid flash flood warning

Torrential rainfall has resulted in the declaration of a flash flood warning for the territory, as well as the postponement of the emancipation festival parade scheduled for Road Town this afternoon, August 7.

Parade organizers said the event will instead be held on Saturday, August 12, at 1pm.

As it relates to the weather, an advisory from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said the flash flood warning is in effect for low lying and flood prone areas until 10pm today.

a flash flood warning means that moderate to major flooding is imminent or occurring.

“If you are in the warning area, move quickly to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams, creeks, low-lying and flood prone areas should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters or waters of unknown depth by foot or by vehicle.”

“Just one foot of flowing water is enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads, be extremely cautious and, if in doubt, make the smart choice. Turn around, don’t drown. Move to higher ground,” added the DDM.

It further attributed the rainfall to a tropical wave.

“Already, 25 to 50mm of rain has fallen in some places for the day, and a further 1 to 3 inches is possible in the next 3 to 6 hrs. Hence, moderate to major flooding of low lying and flood prone areas is expected,” said the disaster management agency, adding that the Antigua and Barbuda meteorological service and the DDM will continue to monitor the situation,” added the DDM.

Meanwhile, photos and videos are emerging on social media showing widespread flooding throughout the island of Tortola, including the communities of Hunthum’s Ghut, Purcell Estate and Road Town.

In one of the videos, two men are seen battling against the force of flood waters as they seemingly try to secure a motorcar. A number of other vehicles along different roadways are virtually covered by water.