Jamaica under flash flood watch, hurricane warning discontinued

Jamaica is under a flash flood watch for northern, southwestern, and south-central parishes, as Hurricane Melissa continues to move away from Jamaica.

The Met office says additional rainfall could lead to localised flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Doppler radar and satellite imagery indicate that rainbands associated with Hurricane Melissa continue to occasionally move across sections of Jamaica's northern parishes, producing moderate to heavy rainfall.

Light to moderate showers are also affecting other areas of the island.

The Met office says Hurricane Melissa is expected to produce additional rainfall over Jamaica today, with amounts reaching 75-150 mm (3-6 inches).

Further flash flooding and additional landslides could continue today and into tonight, it says.

Although damaging winds are gradually subsiding across Jamaica, periods of tropical-storm-force winds may still affect sections of northern parishes, while strong, gusty winds are likely to continue over some southern areas.

Large waves are expected along coastal areas of the island today and tonight.

Small craft operators are therefore advised to exercise extreme caution, as sea conditions will deteriorate in strong gusty winds, showers, and thunderstorms.

On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move offshore eastern Cuba this morning.

Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves across the southeastern Bahamas later today and passes near Bermuda on Thursday night.

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