Unstable weather conditions caused heavy rains and flooding of rivers in Dominica over the weekend

Unstable weather conditions caused heavy rains and flooding of rivers over the weekend in Dominica. The Met office warned persons living in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks to exercise caution on Saturday and Sunday.
 
On Saturday morning, the Met Office said “Unstable conditions reinforced by moisture convergence have been generating light to moderate and isolated heavy showers across Dominica since Friday evening. Radar imagery indicated that pockets of heavy showers affected mainly the southern portion of Dominica throughout Friday night into Saturday morning.”
 
Rainfall amounts and intensity were higher in the interior of the island due to the enhancing effect of the topography of Dominica. River heights rose and some crested due to runoff from elevated areas. Some areas located downstream of rivers or along river banks were adversely affected. Cloudy conditions with periods of showers continued to affect Dominica throughout the weekend.
 
Rainfall amounts recorded at 8:00 am on Saturday: Douglas-Charles Airport – 11.3mm; Canefield Airport – 17.0mm; D’leau Gommier – 32.7mm; Pond Casse – 15.4mm; and Copthall water level 1.39m (5ft). Q95 received other reports of flooding in some areas of the island, a slide in Scotts Head, and serious damage to the Grand Bay by-pass. The Roseau River had risen steadily since Friday evening. Residents iReports revealed several other incidents in some parts of the country. 
 
Meanwhile, the flash flood warning, which was issued for Dominica on Saturday 28th May 2016 by the Dominica Meteorological Service, has been discontinued. “However, brief scattered shower activity is still expected, with slight to moderate sea conditions during the next several hours, and waves possibly peaking near 5 to 7 feet in open waters. Residents and fishermen are advised to maintain vigilance.
 
Q95 will bring you more weather updates as soon as they become available.