BULLETIN # 16: Sandy packing very strong winds

The hurricane warning remains in effect for Jamaica as Hurricane Sandy makes its final approach to the southeast coast of the island.

At 1:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Sandy was located near Latitude 17.6 degrees North, Longitude 76.8 degrees West, or about 45 kilometres (30 miles) south of Kingston, Jamaica.



Sandy is now moving towards the north near 22 km/h (14 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue today and tomorrow with a slight increase in forward speed.

On this track, the centre of Sandy is expected to move over eastern Jamaica this afternoon and this evening.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 130 km/h (80 mph), with higher gusts.



Sandy is a category one hurricane and some strengthening is possible before it moves over Jamaica.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 km (25 miles) from the centre, and tropical storm force winds extend up to 220 kilometres (140 miles), primarily east of the centre.

Residents should continue to expect extensive flooding and dangerous landslides, especially over central and eastern parishes.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to spread across the country through the afternoon and will increase to become hurricane-force winds, mainly over eastern parishes, later in the afternoon as the centre of Hurricane Sandy moves across western St. Thomas and Portland.



Storm surges of 1-3 metres (3-10 feet) should be expected over coastal St. Thomas as Hurricane Sandy makes landfall; however, above-normal seas could also be experienced along the north coast as the system departs this evening.

All small craft operators are 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 on Hurricane Sandy will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.

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