Jamaica now under tropical storm warning and hurricane watch | News

The tropical storm watch that 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 slowly moves across the Caribbean Sea south-southwest of Hispaniola.

This means that tropical storms pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 36 hours and hurricanes are likely to pose a threat within 48 hours.

The weather service says 4 a.m. The center of Tropical Storm Melissa was located near latitude 15.0 degrees north and longitude 74.9 degrees west. This is approximately 353 kilometers (219 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, or approximately 390 kilometers (240 miles) south-southeast of the capital Kingston.

Tropical Storm Melissa is moving very slowly westward at nearly 6 km/h (3 mph). A slow forward speed and a gradual turn to the northwest or north-northwest is expected over the next few days, followed by a turn to the west.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km/h (50 mph) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast over the next few days, but Melissa could become a hurricane within a few days, with the Met Service forecasting more substantial intensification by Friday evening and throughout the weekend.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to continue toward Jamaica before turning westward Saturday and moving over the waters south of the island. As we approach Jamaica, showers will begin to affect the island with periods of moderate to heavy rain beginning late in the afternoon. This will continue until Friday and the weekend.

Strong, gusty winds, possibly reaching tropical storm force, are expected to gradually develop late today and Friday, continuing through the weekend. These winds will initially affect the eastern and southern parishes, before gradually spreading to the rest of the island. Hurricane-force winds are possible over parts of the eastern parishes as early as Saturday, as Tropical Storm Melissa continues to move closer to Jamaica.

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

Winds reaching hurricane force are likely Saturday, especially over southern and eastern offshore waters, as Tropical Storm Melissa moves closer to the island. All small boat operators, including cay and bank fishermen, are now expected to be in port and are urged to take the necessary safety measures without delay.

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