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 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 may pose a threat within 48 hours.
The Met Office says at 4am. Tropical Storm Melissa was centered near latitude 15.0 degrees north and longitude 74.9 degrees west. It 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 west very slowly at about 6 km/h (3 mph). Slow speeds and a gradual turn to the northwest or north-northwest followed by a turn to the west are forecast over the next few days.
Maximum sustained winds are around 85 km/h (50 mph), with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast over the next day or so, but Melissa could become a hurricane in a couple of days, with the Weather Service predicting more significant intensification by Friday evening and through the weekend.
Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to continue moving toward Jamaica before turning west and moving over waters south of the island on Saturday. As the system approaches Jamaica, showers will begin to hit the island, with periods of moderate to heavy rain beginning in the late afternoon. This will continue through Friday and the weekend.
Strong gusty winds, possibly reaching tropical storm strength, are expected to gradually increase late tonight and Friday and continue into the weekend. These winds will first affect the eastern and southern counties and then gradually spread to the rest of the island. Hurricane-force winds are possible in parts of the eastern counties as early as Saturday as Tropical Storm Melissa continues to approach Jamaica.
Marine interests should expect widespread heavy showers and thunderstorms accompanied by tropical storm force winds today and continuing through the weekend.
Hurricane-force winds are likely Saturday, especially over southern and eastern coastal waters, as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. All small vessel operators, including reef and shore fishermen, should be in port by now and are urged to take the necessary precautions without delay.
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