UPDATE: Tropical Storm Warning Remains in Effect for Jamaica

Press Release #4: The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) wishes to advise that a TROPICAL STORM WARNING remains in effect for Jamaica.

As Tropical Storm Earl forms to the southwest of the island, the ODPEM advises persons to remain vigilant as tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained wind speeds of 63-118 km/h (39-73 mph) are to be expected.

The Meteorological Service is projecting that Earl’s movement towards the west near 35 km/h (22 mph) will continue with a decrease in forward speed for the next couple of days.

On this forecast track, the centre of Earl would move farther away from Jamaica today and approach the northern coast of Honduras tonight into early Wednesday and Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula late Wednesday.

The ODPEM also draws attention to the fact that:

• Southern and northwestern parishes could expect outbreaks of occasionally heavy showers, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to continue over the island today.
• Low-lying and flood-prone areas are at risk of flash flooding.
• All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions return to normal.

In addition, the ODPEM has not received any reports of flooding or injury. Shelter managers and response team personnel remain on alert should response become necessary.