Tropical Storm Watch Discontinued

The Meteorological Service has discontinued the Tropical Storm Watch for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Chantal has degenerated into a strong tropical wave over the central Caribbean Sea. There is, therefore, no longer the threat of tropical storm conditions.

At 4:00 p.m. the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal were located near Latitude 16.5 degrees North, Longitude 73.7 degrees West, or about 370 kilometres (230 miles) east-southeast of Kingston or 320 kilometres (200 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.

The Tropical Wave is now moving towards the west near 37 km/h (23 mph) and is expected to spread its associated weather across Jamaica and eastern Cuba between this evening and Thursday morning before moving into the northwestern Bahamas by Friday.

Maximum sustained winds associated with the Tropical Wave are near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds now extend over a large area mainly south of Hispaniola.

Periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms could begin to affect Jamaica as early as tonight, starting with eastern parishes and spreading across the country on Thursday morning. Flash flooding is, therefore, possible with rainfall amounts reaching near 75-100 millimetres (3-4 inches) over northern and eastern parishes as well as over hilly terrain. Outbreaks of strong, gusty winds are also likely in thunderstorms.

Residents are advised to remain on the alert for rising waters, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Small craft operators should also continue to exercise caution until wind and sea conditions have returned to safe levels after the passage of the Tropical Wave.

This is the final Bulletin that will be issued by the Meteorological Service on Chantal. Further updates on this system, and current weather conditions, will be included in regular forecasts and News Releases.

[Press Release: Meteorological Service, Jamaica]