Tropical wave to bring increased rainfall tomorrow 

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says it has received reports from the Meteorological Service that a strong tropical wave is currently over the central Caribbean.

As such, ODPEM said the forecast is for heavy showers and thunderstorms beginning in the eastern parishes on Wednesday and then spread across most parishes through Thursday morning.

ODPEM has reportedly alerted the relevant agencies, parish disaster committees, and emergency managers/responders.

The public should continue monitoring the radio for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides, ODPEM advised. Also, ODPEM is urging people to take the following precautions in the event of heavy rains:

• Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas.

• Decide on likely evacuation routes now.

• Avoid flooded waterways, that is fording, gullies, streams, or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.