TS Melissa drifts to the east-southeast

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has reported that reconnaissance aircraft indicates a drift of Tropical Storm Melissa to the east-southeast over the Caribbean Sea, however, the Tropical Storm Warning and the Hurricane Watch continue for Jamaica.

At 7 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Melissa was located near latitude 15.9 degrees North, longitude 75.0 degrees West. This is about 415 kilometres southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti and about 256 kilometres (159 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point or 300 kilometres southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.

The Met Service says a slow drift toward the northeast and north is expected later today and tonight. On the forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to begin drifting westward on Saturday and continue through Monday, bringing it just south of Jamaica early next week.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts, and gradual strengthening is forecast over the next day or so, followed by rapid intensification through the weekend. Melissa is projected to become a hurricane by Saturday and a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Sunday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 220 kilometres (140 miles) from the centre.

Melissa is expected to be a major rainfall producer over Jamaica. Amounts reaching 200-350 millimetres (8-14 inches) are forecast for eastern parishes through the weekend, causing widespread flooding and landslides. This would gradually spread westward across the country next week.

As the tropical storm moves closer to the island, the Met Service says citizens should expect strong, gusty winds reaching tropical storm force to initially affect eastern parishes later today and continuing into the weekend across the island. Hurricane force winds are also possible from as early as Saturday.

Marine areas will see further deterioration today, small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks are advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

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