Bannister road impassable at Big Pond

Persistent torrential rainfall over the past 24 hours has left many persons who must travel through the perennial flood-prone area marooned.

A taxi was stuck trying to go through the murky waters with the National Works Agency (NWA) urging motorists not to take any chances.

“Motorists attempt to cross the heavily flooded area at their own peril. We do not advise that anyone try to do so. Floodwaters only cease to imperil a roadway when it recedes,” the works agency said.

Several students and teachers at the nearby Davis Primary School were “blocked in” until late this evening, educator Lavern Johnson told the NWA via its Facebook.

Meantime, several other areas in the parish are also impacted by the heavy rains caused by a broad Trough over the island which is forecasted to continue for the next 24-48 hours according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica.

Motorists are being urged to avoid Jobs Lane in Spanish Town, St Catherine near the Examination Depot as a culvert has been washed out causing a partial collapse of the road which is under water. 

Extra vigilance is also being urged along the Bog Walk Gorge where earlier a tree fell from the hillside temporarily impeding access to the Flat Bridge.

“We continue to urge motorists to proceed cautiously and remain attentive to the surrounding conditions when travelling along corridors which are particularly susceptible to the current persistent rainfall,” the NWA said.