Jamaica: As Tropical Storm Rafael moves closer to the southern coastline of Jamaica and strengthens, the Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the island.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness took to Facebook to urge the residents to be safe and noted that the warning means that tropical storm conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and minor coastal flooding are expected today in Jamaica.
The experts reported that as of 4 am, the centre of Tropical Storm Rafael was located near latitude 17.0 degrees North, longitude 78.0 degrees West. This is around 105 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, 55 miles south of Treasure Beach and 80 miles southwest of Negril Point.
The weather forecasters further noted that Rafael is moving toward the northwest at a speed of 20 km per hour and a generally north-westward motion is expected over the next few days.
The storm is expected to move near Jamaica this morning as show on the forecast track and be near the Cayman Islands by night and by Wednesday morning, it is forecasted to be over western Cuba.
The maximum sustained winds of Rafael have increased to near 95 km per hour of 60 miles per hour with higher gusts. The experts revealed that steady to rapid intensification is forecasted over the next 24 to 36 hours and this will make the storm a hurricane as it will near the Cayman Islands.
Also, further strengthening of the storm is expected before it makes landfall in Cuba. As of now, the tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 165 km from the centre.
According to the current forecast track, the expected periods of heavy rainfall measuring around 75 to 150 mm will continue to spread across Jamaica today along with flash flooding in flood prone areas across the island. Moreover, higher amounts are likely in the higher elevations and landslides are also expected in vulnerable areas of the island.
The forecasters have also anticipated coastal flooding along with strong and gusty winds as Rafael passes near the southwest coast of Jamaica today.
The Met Office of Jamaica has reminded the small craft operations to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted with wind and sea conditions returning to normal.
