Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Old Harbour: Essential Prepar...

Urgent Weather Warnings for Old Harbour Residents

The Met Service just dropped some serious weather warnings for Old Harbour, and they’re not playing around. Effective right now through the weekend of March 2026, a trough system mixed with a heap of tropical moisture is heading our way. We’re talking heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and a real risk of flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone spots.

According to the latest from the Met Office, some parts of Old Harbour could see up to 6 inches of rain, with even higher amounts in isolated areas. That’s no joke—it’s a straight-up threat to life, property, and infrastructure, particularly in communities like Old Harbour Bay, Freetown, and along the Rio Doro riverbanks.

For real-time updates and detailed county-level advisories, check the official homepage of HowJamaica.com at https://howjamaica.com. We’ve got live weather tracking and emergency contacts there.

Old Harbour’s Vulnerability to Flooding

Old Harbour, in St. Catherine, has always been a flood-prone area—it’s right next to the Rio Doro and sits on low-lying ground. We’ve seen devastating floods before, like that nasty 2023 event that forced dozens of families out of their homes and wrecked roads and crops. This current weather system feels a lot like that one, so authorities are jumping on it early.

“We’re begging all residents to take these warnings dead serious,” said the Acting Director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in a press briefing today. “Old Harbour is especially vulnerable because of drainage issues and the ground being already soaked from recent rains.”

What the Warnings Mean for You

A significant weather warning means things could get messy—road closures, power outages, property damage. The Met Office says:

• Stay indoors when it’s pouring and lightning’s cracking.
• Don’t even think about crossing flooded roads, even in your car. Water can be deeper than it looks, and currents are sneaky strong.
• Secure loose stuff around your yard—outdoor furniture, garbage bins, construction materials. You don’t want them flying around in strong winds.
• Charge your phone and keep a battery-operated radio handy for emergency broadcasts.

Preparedness Checklist for Old Harbour Families

To keep your family safe during this weather event, here’s what you need to do:

#### Before the Storm

1. Put together an emergency kit: Grab at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food, bottled water (one gallon per person per day), flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and any meds you need.

2. Plan your escape route: Know where higher ground is and find the nearest shelter. Call the St. Catherine Parish Council for a list of designated shelters.

3. Protect your papers: Stash passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, and deeds in a waterproof container or a zip-lock bag.

4. Clear your drains: Get debris out of gutters, drains, and culverts around your property to cut down on flooding.

#### During the Storm

• Stick to official updates: Tune into local radio stations—like 88.1 FM or 99.3 FM. The Met Office’s website and the HowJamaica.com homepage also have live alerts.
• Unplug electronics if flooding looks likely. You don’t want a power surge frying your TV.
• Don’t drive unless you absolutely have to. If you must, go slow and avoid standing water.

#### After the Storm

• Wait for the all-clear: Don’t head home until authorities say it’s safe.
• Check for damage: Look for structural issues, gas leaks, and electrical hazards. Report downed power lines to JPS at 1-888-225-5577.
• Boil your water: The National Water Commission might issue a boil water advisory. When in doubt, boil tap water for at least three minutes before drinking.

Role of Local Authorities and Emergency Services

The St. Catherine Municipal Corporation has fired up its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and is working with the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the Ministry of Local Government. Sandbags are available at the Old Harbour Police Station and the St. Catherine Parish Council office.

Need help during the weather event? Call:

• ODPEM Emergency Hotline: 888-225-5577
• Fire Service: 110
• Police: 119
• JPS Power Outages: 1-888-225-5577

Impact on Old Harbour’s Economy and Infrastructure

Local businesses in Old Harbour—like the busy market area and shops along the main road—are already moving inventory to higher shelves and securing awnings. Farmers in the surrounding agricultural belts are being told to harvest what they can and protect their livestock.

The Old Harbour Bay Fishing Village is especially vulnerable. The Fisheries Division is advising fishermen to secure their boats and stay off the water until warnings are lifted. If crops take a hit, it could mess with local food supplies and prices for weeks.

Long-Term Preparedness: Building Resilience in Old Harbour

This weather event is a loud wake-up call for more investment in flood mitigation in St. Catherine. Residents should get involved in community disaster preparedness workshops run by ODPEM and support local efforts to improve drainage.

“Preparedness is everybody’s business,” said a rep from the Old Harbour Community Council. “We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we handle it.”

Conclusion

As Old Harbour gets ready for what could be a rough weather event, staying alert and prepared is key. Follow official advice, secure your property, and keep an eye on reliable sources like HowJamaica.com. That’s how you cut the risks and protect your loved ones.

For the latest on this developing situation, head to the HowJamaica.com homepage at https://howjamaica.com. Stay safe, stay informed, and look out for your neighbors—together, we’ll get through this storm.

This article is for informational purposes only. For official emergency orders, always defer to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and ODPEM.

Need help? Email us at admin@howjamaica.com.