Tropical Storm Melissa moving very slowly

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica says Tropical Storm Melissa is moving very slowly across the Caribbean Sea south of Hispaniola and tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 48 hours.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Jamaica.

At 7 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Melissa was located by Air Force Reserve Reconnaissance aircraft near latitude 14.3 degrees North, longitude 73.5 degrees West. This is about 495 kilometres (305 miles) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, about 493 kilometres (306 miles) southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, or about 540 kilometres (335 miles) southeast of the capital, Kingston.

A slow forward speed and a gradual turn to the northwest and north-northwest are expected during the next few days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km/h (50 mph) with higher gusts. Some gradual strengthening is anticipated during the next few days, and Melissa could become a hurricane on Thursday

According to the current forecast track, the tropical storm is now expected to approach Jamaica before turning west on Saturday and passing over the waters south of Jamaica through the start of next week.

The Met Service says as the system nears Jamaica, it is expected to produce periods of moderate to heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds, possibly reaching tropical storm intensity, particularly over the northeastern and southern parishes on Thursday and continuing through the weekend.

It says marine interests should expect widespread heavy showers and thunderstorms, along with tropical storm-force winds late Wednesday and Thursday. All small craft operators, including fishermen from the cays and banks, should be arriving in port to begin preparations for safe harbour.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.