Jamaica is now under a Tropical Storm Watch as a weakening Chantal moves quickly westward and could pass close to the island’s eastern coastline. With this development, tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat within 36 hours.
According to the latest bulletin, at 11a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Chantal was located near
Latitude 16.5 degrees North, Longitude 72.0 degrees West, or about 470 kilometres east-southeast of Morant Point or 245 kilometres south-southwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The Tropical Storm is moving towards the west near 46 kilometres per hour and this general motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected on Thursday night
On this forecast track, the centre would pass close to northeastern section of Jamaica on its way to central Cuba. However, if Chantal degenerates into a tropical wave, the remnants, including heavy rainfall are likely to move rapidly westward across the island.
Marine operators, primarily north and east of the island should remain on alert to unfavourable sea conditions through Thursday.
Due to the vicinity of the system, the Met officie has cautioned travellers to expect some flight restrictions and delays at the Norman Manley International Airport over the next 24 hours.
And the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says the public should avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides.
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