Jamaica now under tropical storm warning and hurricane watch

The tropical storm watch which was in effect for Jamaica has been upgraded to a tropical storm warning, while a hurricane watch is now in effect as Tropical Storm Melissa moves slowly across the Caribbean Sea south-southwest of Hispaniola.

This means tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 36 hours and hurricane conditions are likely to pose a threat within 48 hours.

The Meteorological Service say at 4 am. the centre of Tropical Storm Melissa was located near latitude 15.0 degrees North, longitude 74.9 degrees West. This is about 353 kilometres (219 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica or about 390 kilometres (240 miles) south-southeast of the capital Kingston.

Tropical Storm Melissa is moving very slowly toward the west near 6 km/h (3 mph). A slow forward speed and a gradual turn to the northwest or north-northwest is forecast during the next couple of days, followed by a westward turn.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km/h (50 mph) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next day or so but, Melissa could become a hurricane in a couple of days, with the Met Service forecasting more substantial intensification by late Friday and through the weekend.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to continue in the direction of Jamaica before turning towards the west on Saturday and moving over the waters south of the island. As the system nears Jamaica, showers will begin to affect the island with periods of moderate to heavy rainfall beginning late this afternoon. This will continue through Friday and the weekend.

Strong, gusty winds, possibly reaching tropical storm strength, are expected to gradually develop late today and Friday, continuing into the weekend. These winds will initially affect eastern and southern parishes, before gradually spreading across the remainder of the island. Winds reaching hurricane strength are possible over sections of eastern parishes as early as Saturday, as Tropical Storm Melissa continues to move closer to Jamaica.

Marine interests should expect widespread heavy showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by tropical-storm-force winds today and continuing through the weekend.

Winds reaching hurricane strength are likely on Saturday, particularly over southern and eastern offshore waters, as Tropical Storm Melissa moves closer to the island. All small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks should by now be in port and are urged to complete their necessary safety precautions without delay.

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