The flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of eight parishes has been extended.

The parishes under the watch are: St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester.

It will remain in effect until 7:00 A.M. tomorrow, as a broad trough across the central Caribbean continues to produce unstable weather across Jamaica.

Satellite imagery and rainfall reports indicate that light to moderate showers and isolated thunderstorms have been occurring, primarily across eastern and south-central parishes since last night and into this morning.

This activity is forecast to continue throughout today. 

The Met Service says given high soil saturation levels, particularly in the eastern parishes, due to recent rainfall, flooding may occur, even during light showers.

Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate near showers and thunderstorms. 

Fishers and other marine interests, especially inshore and offshore the south coast should therefore exercise caution.

Residents are advised to stay alert, take precautionary measures and be prepared to act quickly if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.