Severe Weather Alert Issued for Jamaica as Tropical System Threatens Island

Kingston, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a severe weather alert for the island, in effect until Monday, November 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. The Met Office warned in a news release on Saturday of a significant low-pressure system currently forming across the southwestern Caribbean Sea, just north of Panama. This area of disturbed weather is expected to intensify and move northward, bringing a high probability of tropical cyclone formation over the next two days.

According to projections, there is an increasing likelihood that a tropical depression or tropical storm could develop south of Jamaica by Monday morning, potentially moving just east and then north of the island by Tuesday.

“Regardless of the stage of development, the area of low pressure is expected to bring unstable weather to Jamaica beginning Sunday night through to Wednesday evening,” the Met Office stated. Forecasters anticipate cloudy skies with periods of showers and thunderstorms, some of which may become heavy, along with strong gusty winds, especially impacting eastern and south-central parishes.

The Met Office has issued a special advisory for fishers operating on the cays and banks, urging them to prepare for potential evacuations if conditions worsen. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the weather system approaches.

The Meteorological Service emphasized it will maintain close monitoring of the system and provide further updates as the situation develops.