KINGSTON, Jamaica — The island remains on high alert this morning as Tropical Storm Melissa sits almost motionless to the southeast of Jamaica, with forecasters warning that the system could soon strengthen into a major hurricane.
According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), at 4:00 am Friday, the centre of Tropical Storm Melissa was located near 16.0° North, 75.5° West, about 224 kilometres (139 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point or roughly 260 kilometres south-southeast of Kingston.
The storm is expected to creep north and northeast before swinging back westward by Saturday, a track that could bring it dangerously close to Jamaica early next week.
Melissa is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) with stronger gusts, and forecasters say it’s gaining strength fast. The system is projected to become a hurricane by Saturday, and possibly a Category Three or stronger storm by Sunday — a serious threat for the region.
The Met Service is warning Jamaicans to prepare for intense rainfall, with up to 350 millimetres (14 inches) expected in eastern parishes through the weekend. Flooding and landslides are highly likely, with conditions worsening as the system drifts closer.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are urged to take all precautions now. Strong, gusty winds are expected to hit the eastern side of the island later today, spreading across Jamaica by the weekend. Hurricane-force winds are not being ruled out by Saturday.
Meanwhile, marine operators — especially fishers from the cays and banks — are being strongly advised to stay in safe harbour, as sea conditions are set to deteriorate quickly.
The Met Service says all eyes are now on Melissa’s movement over the next 24 hours, which will determine just how close the storm gets to Jamaica.
Mckoy’s News will continue to monitor this developing system and bring you updates as they become available.
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