The Meteorological Service is reporting that a tropical storm warning is now in effect for Jamaica as potential tropical cyclone (PTC) 18 becomes better organised over the west-central Caribbean.
In its first bulletin on the weather event, the Met Service said the system has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone by Monday morning.
"This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 36 hours," the local weather agency stated.
At 4pm, PTC 18 was centred near latitude 13 degrees north, and longitude 77.1 degrees west. This was about 600 kilometres (373 miles) south-west of Negril Point, or 555 kilometres (345 miles) south of Kingston, Jamaica.
"The system is moving towards the northeast near 11 km/h (7 mph). A turn to the north and then north-west is expected over the next few days.
"Maximum sustained winds are near 55 km/h (35 mph), with higher gusts," the Met Service informed.
The system is expected to become a tropical depression on Sunday night, and steady strengthening is forecasted thereafter.
On the forecast track, the centre of the system is expected to continue moving towards Jamaica on Sunday night, and be near Jamaica by late Monday evening, and near or over the Cayman Islands by Tuesday and Wednesday.
"While the potential tropical cyclone is in the vicinity of Jamaica, it is expected to produce locally, heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds, primarily over eastern and southern parishes tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday," the Met Service indicated.
Additionally, it said landslides should be anticipated in vulnerable sections of the island.
For the marine areas, the forecast is for widespread showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, with strong gusty winds up to tropical storm force to affect all marine zones on Monday, especially inshore and offshore the south coast.
All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, should be arriving in port to start preparations for safe harbour.
The Met Service said it continues to monitor the progress of the system, and all interests are encouraged to pay special attention to further releases.
