Jamaica will begin experiencing tropical storm conditions within the next 6 to 12 hours as Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to continue moving towards the island.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Met Service said Raphael is expected to be near Jamaica by late Monday night or early on Tuesday; near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday night, and approach Cuba on Wednesday.
Moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms are currently affecting sections of most parishes and the rainfall is expected to become widespread across the island as the system approaches Jamaica from the south.
As the rain continues, flooding and landslides are possible in vulnerable sections of the island.
Observations indicate that periods of strong gusty winds are affecting sections of southern parishes and this is forecast to extend to the remainder of the island throughout the night.
Over the marine areas, the forecast is for widespread showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, with strong gusty winds up to tropical storm force to affect all marine zones this evening and into Tuesday, especially inshore and offshore the south coast.
All small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks should by now have completed all the necessary safety precautions and are advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.
The Met Office will issue its next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Raphael at 8:00 p.m.
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