Jamaica remains under Tropical Storm watch this afternoon, as Sandy the 18th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season has intensified, south of the island.
The cyclone is expected to begin a north-northeast motion, approaching Jamaica by Wednesday.
A tropical storm watch has also been issued for the entire coast of Haiti.
Heavy rainfall will be a significant threat, particularly to the north and east of the centre of circulation, including Hispaniola, Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the Bahamas.
The system's wind field is expected to be large, and may lead to high surf and rip currents along parts of the Southeast U.S. coast late this week into the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica is advising that over the next couple of days, showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase over the island, accompanied by gusty winds, eventually becoming sustained at tropical storm strength late tomorrow.
Marine interests will experience winds, primarily out of the east, before becoming southerly by tomorrow evening.
Fishers on the cays and banks are being strongly advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland.
Other small craft operators in Jamaica's coastal waters are advised to return to port; and small craft operators, who are in port, are advised not to venture out.
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