Hurricane Warning Remains in Effect for all of Jamaica

A HURRICANE WARNING means that hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be nearing completion, as Hurricane Emily moves closer to Jamaica.
At 4:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Emily was located near Latitude 14.7 degrees North, Longitude 72.8 degrees West, or about 510 kilometres or 320 miles southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.
Emily is moving towards the west near 32 km/hr or 20 mph and this motion is expected to continue tonight with a gradual turn to the west-northwest on Saturday. Hurricane Emily is expected to pass to the south of Jamaica within the next 24 hours.
Maximum sustained winds have further decreased to near 165 km/hr or 105 mph with higher speeds in gusts. Emily is a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. No significant change in strength is expected during the next 24 hours however Emily may regain strength as it moves towards the Western Caribbean Sea.
Hurricane-force winds extend outwards to about 55 kilometres or 35 miles from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 220 kilometres or 140 miles.
The rainfall activity associated with Emily could produce flash floods and landslides, and are expected to start affecting southern and eastern parishes before spreading to other sections of the island.
All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, should by now have completed all the necessary safety precautions and are advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.
The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system, and all interests should pay special attention to this and subsequent Releases.
The next Bulletin on Hurricane Emily will be issued at 8:00 p.m.