KINGSTON, Jamaica – The TROPICAL STORM WARNING and HURRICANE WATCH remain in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Sandy makes a turn in the direction of the island.
This means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained wind speeds of 34-63 knots or 63-118 km/h (40-74 mph), are expected in 36 hours or less and that hurricane conditions also pose a possible threat to the country within 48 hours.
At 7:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Sandy was located near Latitude 13.4 degrees North, Longitude 77.9 degrees West, or about 525 kilometres (325 miles) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica or 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of the Pedro Cays.
Tropical Storm Sandy has begun to move towards the north-northeast near 6 km/h (3 mph) and this motion is expected to continue with some increase in forward speed today and tomorrow. On this forecast track, the centre of Sandy will begin to move across Jamaica, from south to north, on Wednesday afternoon.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts; however, strengthening is expected during the next 24 hours and Sandy is forecast to be a hurricane nearing Jamaica tomorrow. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 150 kilometres (90 miles), primarily east of the centre.
Over the next 24-36 hours, rainfall is expected to increase significantly over Jamaica to produce over 250 millimeters (10 inches), especially over central and eastern sections of the island. Flash flooding and landslides are likely. Tropical storm conditions are expected by early Wednesday morning and hurricane conditions later in the day. Storm surge is also possible along the southeastern coastline of the island.
All small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks should by now have completed all the necessary safety precautions and are advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal
It is likely that a Hurricane Warning will be issued for Jamaica later today. The next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Sandy will be issued at 11:00 a.m. today.
