A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is now in effect for Jamaica while Tropical Depression Grace prepares to move closer to the island with the potential to re-strengthen.
This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 48 hours.
The met service says Grace is moving towards the west near 24 km/h (15 mph) and a west to west-northwest motion is expected over the next few days.
Maximum sustained winds are near 55 km/h (35 mph), with higher gusts, and little change in strength is forecast during the next 24-36 hours.
Over the past 12 hours, forecast models have been making adjustments, predicting the approach of Tropical Depression Grace closer to the northern coastline of Jamaica than originally expected.
Although there is still some uncertainty concerning Grace’s track, the centre is now expected to move over or close to southern Haiti today before passing between Jamaica and Cuba on Tuesday as a tropical storm.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms associated with the tropical depression could generate flash floods and will affect Jamaica starting late tonight and continuing through the day on Tuesday as Grace passes north of the island. Strong, gusty winds will also be experienced, primarily over northern parishes on Tuesday.
