Tropical storm conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and minor coastal flooding are expected in Jamaica today.
Tropical storm Rafael is expected to move close to Jamaica's southern coastline on Wednesday morning, be near the Cayman Islands tonight, and be near or over western Cuba on Wednesday.
At 4:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Rafael was located near latitude 17.0 degrees North, longitude 78.0 degrees West.
This is about 170 kilometres (105 miles) southwest of Kingston, 88 kilometres (55 miles) south of Treasure Beach and 130 kilometres (80 miles) southeast of Negril Point, Jamaica.
Rafael is moving toward the northwest near 20 km/h (13 mph) and a generally north westward motion is anticipated over the next few days.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 95 km/h (60 mph) with higher gusts.
Steady to rapid intensification is forecast over the next 24 to 36 hours, making Rafael a hurricane near the Cayman Islands, with further strengthening before it makes landfall in Cuba.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 165 kilometres (105 miles) from the centre.
Based on the current forecast track, expect periods of heavy rainfall, measuring 75-150 millimetres (3- 6 inches), to continue to spread across Jamaica today, producing flash flooding in flood-prone areas island- wide. Higher amounts are likely in higher elevations and landslides should also be anticipated in vulnerable sections of the island.
Coastal flooding is also possible along with strong, gusty winds, reaching tropical storm force, as Rafael passes near the southwest coast of Jamaica this morning.
Small craft operators are reminded 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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