BREAKING NEWS FROM THE MET OFFICE: A TROPICAL STORM WATCH has now been issued for Jamaica as weakening Tropical Storm Chantal moves quickly westward and could pass close to the island’s eastern coastline. This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 36 hours. The Tropical Storm is moving towards the west near 29 miles per hour and this general motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected through tonight. If Chantal remains a tropical cyclone, a gradual turn toward the northwest is expected tomorrow. On this forecast track, the centre would remain near or to the south of Hispaniola today and pass close to northeastern Jamaica on its way to central Cuba tomorrow. If Chantal degenerates into a tropical wave, however, the remnants, including heavy rainfall, are likely to move rapidly westward across Jamaica. Jamaica could begin feeling effects of Tropical Storm Chantal as early as tonight as the system passes in the vicinity of the island either as a tropical wave or tropical cyclone. The main threat at this time is for outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms to develop over the island, starting with eastern parishes, during the course of the night and into tomorrow. Periods of strong, gusty winds are also possible in thunderstorms. Marine operators, primarily north and east of the island should remain on alert to unfavourable sea conditions through tomorrow. The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system and the next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Chantal will be issued at 2 o clock this afternoon.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 16:45:19 +0000
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