Caribbean weather: Trough expected to bring significant rainfall

Significant rainfall is expected in the Caribbean, according to the US National Hurricane Center.  

In its Tropical Weather Discussion for Tuesday, May 21, under Special Features, the NHC says a deep layered trough will dig southward across the western Caribbean Sea today through Wednesday then lift out to the northeast through Friday.  

The NHC says this feature is expected to destabilise the atmosphere, and support very active convection across the south-central Caribbean beginning today, with strong afternoon convection across the Greater Antilles.  

Convection is then expected to develop north and northeastward across the central Caribbean and Greater Antilles, from Jamaica and eastern Cuba to western Puerto Rico, Wednesday through Friday. 

The NHC says the latest computer model guidance currently suggests that the highest rainfall accumulations with this event may occur across Hispaniola.  

It says residents in these locations should remain alert for significant rainfall and potential flash flooding. 

The Department of Disaster Management on the British Virgin Islands (BVI DDM) in a weather update issued on Tuesday said a trough is expected to move northwards across Hispaniola and Puerto Rico over the next 24 hours. It said this potential low pressure system is expected to bring showers with a moderate chance of isolated thunderstorms, especially Wednesday afternoon.  

Rainfall amounts could reach up to 2 inches. Sea conditions are expected to remain normal over the next few days. BVI DDM says residents should be alert as conditions can change.