The Meteorological Service has discontinued the Tropical Storm Watch for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Chantal has degenerated to a strong tropical wave over the Central Caribbean Sea.
At 4 pm on Wednesday, the remnants of Chantal were located near 370 kilometres east-southeast of Kingston, or 320 kilometres (200 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point.
The Tropical Wave is now moving towards the west near 37 kilometres per hour, and is expected to spread its associated weather across Jamaica and eastern Cuba, between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, before moving into the northwestern Bahamas by Friday.
Maximum sustained winds associated with the Tropical Wave are near 75 kilometres per hour with higher gusts.
Periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms could begin to affect Jamaica on Wednesday night starting with eastern parishes and spreading across the country on Thursday morning.
Flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to remain on the alert for rising waters, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Small craft operators should also continue to exercise caution, until wind and sea conditions have returned to safe levels after the passage of the Tropical Wave.
Prime Minister’s meeting
As Jamaica prepares for the effects of the wave Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has instructed that the necessary preparations and contingency plans be put in place for activation at short notice.
On Wednesday the Prime Minister convened a meeting of the National Disaster Committee at Jamaica House where the instruction was issued. The meeting was called to assess the country's state of readiness for the approaching weather system.
She noted that while there can be no prediction of the impact the system could have on the island, she is asking everyone to be prepared.
Prior to Chantal being downgraded to a Tropical Wave, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) after the meeting of the National Disaster Committee.
The Prime Minister, after receiving updates from all the relevant agencies, instructed that all Parish Disaster Committees and political representatives be placed on high alert and activate their emergency response protocols.
National Works Agency prepared
Meanwhile, with heavy rains still expected from the approaching tropical wave, the National Works Agency (NWA) is concerned about the likely effects on the eastern parishes of Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary and the northern parish of St. Ann.
Stephen Shaw ,Communications and Customer Service Manager at the NWA says the agency has activated its standing plan of pre positioning equipment in some locations while monitoring others.
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