TS Melissa creeps closer to Jamaica, hurricane watch activated

A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are now in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa slowly moves across the Caribbean Sea, prompting officials to warn that the system could pose a serious threat to the island within the next two days.

According to the Meteorological Service, Jamaica (Met Service), the storm's centre was located about 303 kilometres southeast of Morant Point or roughly 345 kilometres southeast of Kingston at 7:00 a.m. Thursday.

Melissa is moving very slowly toward the northwest at about 7 km per hour, with maximum sustained winds near 85 km per hour and higher gusts. The Met Service says the system could strengthen into a hurricane by late Friday or over the weekend.

As the storm continues to edge closer to Jamaica, forecasters are warning of heavy rain, strong gusty winds, and possible flooding across eastern and southern parishes starting Thursday afternoon and continuing through the weekend.

Marine interests are also being urged to take precautions, as strong winds and rough seas are expected. Fisherfolk on the cays and banks are being advised to return to port and secure their vessels immediately.

The Met Service says it will continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Melissa and has encouraged the public to pay special attention to further releases.

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