The Meteorological Service has issued a flash flood watch for eight parishes as a broad trough brings showers and thunderstorms across the island.

The watch covers low-lying and flood-prone areas of St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and Clarendon.

It remains in effect until 5 pm on Sunday.

The Met Service says the trough, located over the western Caribbean, is producing a large area of disorganised showers and thunderstorms across the region.

It says light to moderate showers have been affecting sections of eastern and central parishes since early this morning.

The forecast is for intermittent showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, to continue across most parishes through to Sunday evening. Eastern and south-central parishes are expected to be hardest hit.

A flash flood watch means flash flooding is possible.

Residents in the affected areas are being urged to take precautions, stay informed and be ready to act quickly if flooding occurs or a warning is issued.

Sea conditions are also expected to worsen near the showers and thunderstorms.

Fishers and other marine interests, especially along the south coast, are being advised to exercise caution.

The Met Service says it continues to monitor the system.