Update: Tropical Storm Gustav

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has been advised by the National Meteorological Service, that rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Gustav is currently being experienced in the parishes of St. Thomas and Portland. As the system gradually moves closer to the island’s south coast, conditions could worsen in the vicinity of high winds, flood rains and storm surges.
Reports. The Jamaican Urban Transit Company is advising the public that its buses will be pulled from their routes beginning at 11:00am today. NROC, operators of the toll roads, has advised that all Toll Booths will be opened at 12:00 noon. Given the current situation, evacuation orders have been issued for the areas on the attached sheet.
Hurricane Safety TipsThe public is being urged to continue monitoring radios and televisions for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions in the event of heavy rains:
1. Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.2. Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas.3. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends, in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.4. Wrap important personal items, family documents, and electrical appliances in plastic bags and store away from the reach of floodwaters.5. All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are advised to secure their vessels and remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), headquartered at the ODPEM’s offices at 12 Camp Road, Kingston 4, continues to be activated and closely monitoring the progress of T.S. Gustav.
Contact: Cheryl Nichols – Training Manager; cnichols@odpem.org.jm