TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT AS FELIX

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Jamaica as Hurricane Felix quickly reaches Category 2 strength near the Netherlands Antilles. This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat within 36 hours.



At 4:00 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Felix was located near Latitude 12.7 degrees North, Longitude 66.9 degrees West. This is about 340 km (210 miles) east of Aruba or 975 km (610 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.



Felix is moving towards the west near 30 km/h (18 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours.



Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 160 km/h (100 mph), with higher gusts, making Felix a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Hurricane force winds extend outward approximately 30 km (18 miles), while tropical storm force winds extend outward about 185 km (115 miles) from the centre.



The forecast track of Hurricane Felix has been adjusted southward projecting the centre of the cyclone just north of Colombia’s Guajira Peninsula this afternoon and approximately 300 km (190 miles) south of Jamaica on Monday morning. Although this is farther from the island’s coastline, Felix could, at that time, be a Category 3 or 4 hurricane with outer bands and tropical storm force winds extending over a wider area to the north, including Jamaica.



All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, should by now be arriving in port to start preparations for safe harbour.



The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system and all interests should pay special attention to subsequent Releases.



The next Bulletin on Hurricane Felix will be issued at 8:00 a.m.