Tropical Storm watch discontinued as Isaac nears eastern Cuba

The Meteorological Service has discontinued the Tropical Storm Watch for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Isaac stays away from the island and approaches eastern Cuba.

At 10:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Isaac was located near Latitude 20.1 degrees North, Longitude 74.6 degrees West, or about 290 kilometres (180 miles) northeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, or 65 kilometres (40 miles) east of Guantanamo, Cuba.

Isaac is moving towards the northwest near 28 km/h (17 mph) and a general northwestward motion is expected during the next 48 hours.

On the forecast track, the centre of Isaac should move near or over eastern Cuba today and approach the Florida Keys on Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds are now near 95 km/h (60 mph), with higher gusts, and little change in strength is forecast tonight through Monday.

Isaac is expected to become a hurricane sometime on Sunday.

Tropical-storm force winds extend outward up to 335 km (205 miles), from the centre.

Although there is no longer the threat of tropical storm conditions for Jamaica, the island could still experience periods of heavy rainfall, primarily over northern parishes, while Isaac lingers over the region. Residents are, therefore, advised to remain on the alert for possible flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Small craft operators should also continue to exercise caution until wind and sea conditions have returned to safe levels.

editorial@gleanerjm.com