BASSETERRE – Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis are urged to exercise caution as a Flash Flood Advisory takes effect until 12 p.m. today, Wednesday, October 8, 2025, according to the St. Kitts MET Office and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Triggered by a trough system causing periodic heavy showers and thunderstorms, the advisory warns of moderate to major flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, though property damage is expected to be minimal.
Reports indicate that several ghauts are running, posing dangers at stream crossings. Motorists are advised to avoid parking in waterways and ghauts and to refrain from driving or walking through flowing water. Residents, particularly those near slopes prone to rock fall, are encouraged to stay vigilant and avoid flood-prone zones.
The public is reminded to stay informed through official channels, as safety remains a priority.
Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis are experiencing significant weather-related disruptions today, as a tropical wave and a trough system bring intense conditions to the Federation. According to an official announcement from the St. Kitts Meteorological Services and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), schools and early childhood centres across both islands will remain closed today due to the ongoing severe weather. However, government offices are expected to stay open, with the public urged to monitor official sources for updates.
The tropical wave, which began affecting the region late Tuesday into the early hours of Wednesday, has triggered constant, intense fork lightning and periods of heavy rain. Forecasts indicate that the heavy rain should subside by this morning, though lightning remains the primary hazard. NEMA has clarified that this weather pattern is not associated with Tropical Storm Jerry, which is currently situated over the central Atlantic.
The St. Kitts Meteorological Services reported overcast skies with showers and thunderstorms at 7 a.m., with a moderate breeze of 13 mph from the northwest, a temperature of 24°C (75°F), and 97% humidity. The weather forecast for today predicts partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with a 60% chance of showers and a 40% chance of thunderstorms, extending into tonight with a 50% chance of showers. Winds are expected to shift to east-southeast at 9 to 18 mph, with seas ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet).
This lingering instability may lead to additional thunderstorm activity throughout the day, prompting NEMA to emphasize the importance of preparedness. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and adopt safe practices to weather the storm. The closure of educational institutions reflects a proactive measure to ensure the safety of students and staff, while the decision to keep government offices operational suggests efforts to maintain essential services amid the challenging conditions.
For the latest updates, the public is advised to rely on official announcements from the St. Kitts MET Office and NEMA, as the situation continues to evolve. This weather event underscores the need for ongoing readiness in the face of St. Kitts and Nevis’ vulnerability to tropical weather patterns, a reminder of the importance of community resilience in the region.