(Go Jamaica) The Meteorological Service has upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for Jamaica as Tomas continues to move towards the north-northwest and closer to the island.
According to the Meteorological Service, at 4:00 a.m. the center of Tropical Storm Tomas was located near Latitude 15.8 degrees North, Longitude 76.1 degrees West; about 120 km (75 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica or 510 km (315 miles) southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Tomas is moving towards the north-northwest near 11 km/h (7 mph) and a turn towards the north and then northeast, with an increase in forward speed, is expected over the next 24 hours. On the current track, the centre of Tomas is, therefore, forecast to pass nearly 60 km (35 miles) east of Jamaica late tonight, and in the vicinity of western Haiti/eastern Cuba tomorrow.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 km/h (50 mph), with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24-36 hours. Tropical storm force winds now extend outward up to 185 km (115 miles) from the centre and are expected to impact sections of Jamaica’s eastern parishes later today.
Rainfall accumulations of near 75 millimetres (3 inches) are possible over the island, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding in flood-prone areas today. The chance of eastern parishes experiencing storm-force winds has increased to about 60% during the passage of Tomas. Above-average wave heights should also be expected over coastal areas of north-eastern parishes.
Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected to affect Jamaica in 36 hours or less. This means Jamaica could be affected by sustained wind speeds of 34-63 knots or 63-117 km/h,
Small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica continues to monitor the progress of this system, and all interests should pay special attention to further Releases.
