Jamaica issues Tropical Storm Watch as Grace approaches

The meteorological department of Jamaica placed a Tropical Storm Watch as Tropical Depression Grace approaches southwestern Haiti and moves closer to Jamaica. As per reports, storm-like conditions are expected as a threat to Jamaica within 48-hours

Director of the Meteorological Service Evan Thompson provided the new update on late Monday evening. Thompson said Tropical Depression Grace continue to move towards the Northwest.

"South Coast of Hisponala, passing by Haiti and is expected move by midnight," stated Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service.

Jamaican Meteorological Services said Grace would be making a point of landfall at the 18.6 N, 75.7 W. Grace is suspected of producing 1-minute climax packed winds to the area of around 64 km/h (40 mph). The wind sweeps in the area may be considerably higher.

At 4:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Depression Grace was located near Latitude 17.9 degrees North, Longitude 72.4 degrees West, or about 400 kilometres (250 miles) east of Morant Point, Jamaica. This is also 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Maximum sustained winds are near 55 km/h (35 mph), with higher gusts, and some strengthening is forecast during the next few days. Grace is expected to again become a tropical storm by Tuesday.

Grace is moving towards the west-northwest near 20 km/h (13 mph) and west to west-northwest motion is expected during the next few days.

On the forecast track, the centre of Grace will move near the Tiburon Peninsula of southwestern Haiti through tonight and then pass between Jamaica and Cuba on Tuesday as a tropical storm.

The Tropical Depression will produce widespread showers and thunderstorms across Jamaica, starting late tonight and continuing through the day on Tuesday. Rainfall amounts could reach 100-150 millimetres (4-6 inches), generating flash floods and possible landslides. Strong, gusty winds will also be experienced, primarily over northern parishes on Tuesday.

Sea conditions will gradually deteriorate over the next 24-36 hours, especially east and north of the island and marine interests are urged to exercise extreme caution. Small craft operators should remain in port.