Tropical Storm conditions in 12-18 hours

Rains associated with Tomas falling over St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew and St Catherine.



A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica as Tomas continues slowly toward the north. This means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 12-18 hours.
Wind speeds of 34-63 knots or 63-117 kilometres per hour (39-73 miles per hour) are expected.
Tomas is moving towards the north near 7 km/h (5 mph) and a gradual turn towards the northeast, with an increase in forward speed, is expected over the next 48 hours. On the forecast track, the centre of Tomas is, therefore, forecast to pass near to the east end of Jamaica tonight, and continue towards western Haiti and eastern Cuba by early tomorrow.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 85 km/h (50 mph), with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 195 km (120 miles), mainly east of the centre. There is still a 40 per cent chance that these will impact sections of Jamaica’s eastern parishes this evening and tonight.
Radar and weather stations continue to report moderate showers associated with Tomas over sections of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew and St Catherine. Up to 76 mm (3 inches) of rainfall have so far been recorded in Portland over the period. Flash-flooding is possible in flood-prone areas of mainly eastern parishes tonight and tomorrow as Tomas makes its way past Jamaica. Above-average wave heights should also be expected over coastal areas of northeastern parishes.
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.
At 4:00 pm the centre of Tropical Storm Tomas was located near Latitude 16.6 degrees North, Longitude 76.0 degrees west; about 140 km (85 miles) south of Morant Point, Jamaica or 450 km (280 miles) west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system, and all interests should pay special attention to further releases.
The next bulletin on Tropical Storm Tomas will be issued at 8:00 pm today.