Forecaster Dale Destin has issued a flash flood watch for Antigua and Barbuda and three other Caribbean countries as Tropical Storm Fiona is expected to pass through the area starting this evening until later tonight.

The other countries are Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda MET office, the flash flood threat level is minor to moderate with the potential for limited to significant impacts in the watch areas. To be safe, implement your flood plan and it es expected to last between 8 pm until Saturday 8 am.

“This will result in heavy showers. Rainfall rates of 65 mm (2.6 in) per hour or more are possible with isolated higher totals that could produce moderate or worse flash flooding. It could cause localized disruption to transportation; localized population displacement; erosion; environmental degradation; localized damage to dams, embankments, irrigation and drainage facilities; high sediments transport into reservoirs; localized disruption to communication; localized contamination of potable water; localized loss of livestock; financial losses; injuries; temporary stoppage of health services and damage to infrastructure” the MET office said.

A flash flood watch means that flooding is possible but not imminent in the watch area.

“Residents in these areas should make preparations to protect life, property, and livelihood against flooding and be prepared to move to higher ground, if heavy rains develop,” the MET office added.