KINGSTON, Jamaica — The island stays on excessive alert this morning as Tropical Storm Melissa sits virtually immobile to the southeast of Jamaica, with forecasters warning that the system may quickly strengthen into a significant hurricane.
In line with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), at 4:00 am Friday, the centre of Tropical Storm Melissa was situated close to 16.0° North, 75.5° West, about 224 kilometres (139 miles) south-southeast of Morant Level or roughly 260 kilometres south-southeast of Kingston.
The storm is anticipated to creep north and northeast earlier than swinging again westward by Saturday, a observe that would carry it dangerously near Jamaica early subsequent week.
Melissa is at present packing most sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) with stronger gusts, and forecasters say it’s gaining energy quick. The system is projected to change into a hurricane by Saturday, and presumably a Class Three or stronger storm by Sunday — a severe menace for the area.
The Met Service is warning Jamaicans to arrange for intense rainfall, with as much as 350 millimetres (14 inches) anticipated in jap parishes via the weekend. Flooding and landslides are extremely seemingly, with situations worsening because the system drifts nearer.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are urged to take all precautions now. Sturdy, gusty winds are anticipated to hit the jap aspect of the island later at the moment, spreading throughout Jamaica by the weekend. Hurricane-force winds should not being dominated out by Saturday.
In the meantime, marine operators — particularly fishers from the cays and banks — are being strongly suggested to remain in protected harbour, as sea situations are set to deteriorate shortly.
The Met Service says all eyes at the moment are on Melissa’s motion over the subsequent 24 hours, which can decide simply how shut the storm will get to Jamaica.
Mckoy’s Information will proceed to watch this creating system and convey you updates as they change into obtainable.
