UPDATE: Ernesto getting better organized, moving closer to Jamaica

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Jamaica as Ernesto gets better organized over the central Caribbean Sea while moving closer to the island.

This means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained wind speeds of 34-63 knots or 63-118 km/h, are expected for sections of the island within 36 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 95 km/h (60 mph), with higher gusts, and Ernesto could strengthen to become a hurricane by tomorrow.

At 7:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near Latitude 14.9 degrees North, Longitude 71.0 degrees West.

This is about 640 kilometres (400 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica or 420 kilometres (260 miles) south-southwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Met Service says Ernesto continues to move towards the west near 30 km/h (18 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue during the next 48 hours bringing the centre of the tropical storm near 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of Jamaica by Sunday afternoon.

Tropical storm force winds now extend outward up to 220 km (140 miles) mainly north and east of the centre of Ernesto.

Based on current projections, sections of Jamaica are likely to be within the range of tropical storm force winds (over 63 km/h or 40 mph) and heavy rainfall, exceeding 100 millimetres (4 inches) on Sunday and early Monday.

This will begin affecting the island from the east and progress westward.

All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been discontinued and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

radio@gleanerjm.com