Warning remains in effect

KINGSTON – An approaching weather system which is forecast to strengthen to a tropical depression is expected to bring tropical storm-like conditions to Jamaica within the next 24 hours. A storm warning therefore remains in effect for the country. According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), Potential Tropical Cyclone Number 18 was about 355 kilometers (220 miles) south of Kingston or 410 kilometers (255 miles) southeast of Negril Point, Jamaica at 7:00 am. The Met Service said the disturbance continues to move northward near 11 km/h (seven mph). A turn to the northwest is expected later Monday and thereafter it is expected to continue in that direction over the next few days, it added. Maximum sustained winds are near 55 km/h (35 mph/h) with higher gusts. This system is expected to become a tropical depression or tropical storm Monday with additional strengthening forecast thereafter. On the forecast track, the disturbance is expected to continue moving towards Jamaica into Monday night and be near Jamaica by late Monday evening, or early Tuesday morning and near or over the Cayman Islands Tuesday into Wednesday.

While the potential tropical cyclone is in the vicinity of Jamaica, it is expected to produce heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds primarily over eastern and southern parishes Monday and Tuesday, the Met Service said.

Landslides should also be anticipated in vulnerable sections of the island. For the marine areas the forecast is for mostly cloudy conditions with widespread showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, with strong gusty winds up to tropical storm force to affect all marine zones during Monday, and especially inshore and offshore the south coast.

All small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks should now be in port and are urged to complete their necessary safety precautions without delay, the Met Service warned. (Jamaicaobserver)…[+]