Tropical Storm Warning still in effect for Jamaica, but likely to be lifted by noon

It is likely that the Tropical Storm Warning for Jamaica will be lifted by Noon today.

This indication has come from the country's National Meteorological Service in its latest bulletin.

See the full bulletin below:

BULLETIN No: 28

*** TROPICAL STORM WARNING STILL IN EFFECT FOR JAMAICA…

HURRICANE MATTHEW MAKES LANDFALL OVER WESTERN HAITI ***

The Meteorological Service has maintained a TROPICAL STORM WARNING for Jamaica.

This means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained wind speeds of 63-118 km/h (39-73 mph), are expected to affect Jamaica in 36 hours or less.

At 7:00 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Matthew was located near Latitude 18.4 degrees North, Longitude 74.2 degrees West.  This is about 215 kilometres (135 miles) east of Morant Point, Jamaica or 15 kilometres (10 miles) east of Tiburon, Haiti.

Matthew is moving toward the north near 15 km/h (9 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue today. A turn toward the north-northwest is expected by Wednesday, followed by a northwest turn Wednesday night. On this track, the eye of Matthew will be back over water in the Gulf of Gonave in the next hour or so, and then move over the Windward Passage later this morning.  A turn toward the north-northwest is expected by Wednesday, followed by a northwest turn Wednesday night. On the forecast track, the eye of Matthew will move near eastern Cuba later today, and move near or over portions of the southeastern and central Bahamas tonight and Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 230 km/h (145 mph), with higher gusts, making Matthew a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through at least Wednesday night.

Due to the current proximity of tropical storm-force winds to the island, the Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect. However, as Matthew continues to move northward, the risk of tropical storm-force winds affecting eastern parishes will diminish and it is likely that the Tropical Storm Warning will be discontinued by midday.

Doppler radar indicates that mainly scattered, light to moderate showers are continuing over sections of eastern parishes. Heavier rainfall has been detected over offshore waters east of the island. As a result, severe flooding is less likely today.

Coastal areas of northeastern parishes may experience storm surges of 2-3 feet through Tuesday morning.  Small craft operators are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions return to normal.

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system and all interests are reminded to pay special attention to further Releases. 

The next Bulletin on Hurricane Matthew will be issued at 11:00 a.m. today.