Go-Jamaica Weather Watch

Hurricane Warning Remains in Effect

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Jamaica this morning as Tropical Storm Gustav continues westward along the south coast and approaches the western end of the island.

At 4:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Gustav was located near latitude 18.1˚N and longitude 78.1˚W.  This is about 20 km (15 miles) south of Savanna-La-Mar, Jamaica, or 355 km (220 miles) east-southeast of Grand Cayman.

Gustav is now moving towards the west-northwest at 13 km/h (8 mph) and a turn towards the northwest is forecast during the next day or two.  On this track, the centre of the storm is expected to begin moving away from Jamaica in the next 2-4 hours and move near or over the Cayman Islands later today.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 105 km/h (65 mph), with higher gusts, and strengthening is forecast, bringing Gustav to hurricane strength later today or tomorrow.  Tropical storm force winds now extend up to 220 km (140 miles) from the centre.

Satellite and radar imagery confirm that, although the centre of Gustav is nearing the western coast of Jamaica, bands of showers extend over 200 km (125 miles) east of the island.  Periods of heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds are, therefore, forecast to continue across the country through today.  Extensive flash flooding is, therefore, expected over low-lying and flood-prone areas.  Storm surge flooding is also possible, mainly along southern coastal areas.

Small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are reminded to remain in safe harbour until warning messages are lifted and wind and sea conditions return to normal.

The next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Gustav will be issued at 8:00 a.m. today.