Go-Jamaica Weather Watch

…Hurricane Warning Remains in Effect

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Gustav moves across the island.  This means that the following dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected to affect the island in 24 hours or less:

-Dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves;

-Average winds 118 km/h (75 mph) or higher.

At 4:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Gustav was located near latitude 18.1 degrees North and longitude 76.6 degrees West; in the vicinity of Kingston, Jamaica.

Gustav is now moving towards the west at 9 km/h (6 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue with a gradual increase in forward speed today.

Maximum sustained winds are nearly 110 km/h (70 mph), with higher gusts, and some weakening is possible as Gustav continues over Jamaica.  Tropical storm force winds now extend up to 75 km (45 miles) from the centre.

On its forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Gustav will continue to make its way over southern parishes, including St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth towards Westmoreland through tonight.  Doppler radar confirms that rainfall has been occurring over most parishes.  This is expected to spread towards the west along with an increase in strong, gusty winds.  Heaviest rainfall and strongest winds are expected to be close to the centre of the system.  Storm surges could also reach 1-2 metres above normal tide levels, mainly along southern coastal areas.

Small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are strongly advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

The next Bulletin will be issued at 8:00 p.m. today.