Noel nearly stationary... Tropical Storm Watch in effect

Bulletin # 6



The Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm NOEL continues to spread bands of rain over the Caribbean. This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to the island within 36 hours.



At 7:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Noel was re-located near Latitude 16.8 degrees North, Longitude 71.9 degrees West. This is about 470 kilometres (290 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, or 215 kilometres (135 miles) south-southeast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.



Noel is now moving very little but a general west-northwestward motion at 7 km/h (5 mph) is expected during the next 24 hours.



Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 95 km/h (60 mph), with higher gusts, and some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend about 185 km (115 miles) from the centre.



The forecast track of Tropical Storm Noel has the centre passing over the western Haitian Peninsula, east of Jamaica, on Monday morning before continuing towards southeastern Cuba later in the day. Noel is, however, expected to produce more rainfall over Jamaica, tonight and tomorrow, along with gusty winds and above-normal waves, especially along the eastern and northern coastline.



Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland with a view to arriving in port by midnight tonight. Expect sea conditions to deteriorate in showers, thunderstorms and strong northerly winds tonight and tomorrow as the tropical storm passes to the east. Other small craft operators in coastal waters are advised to return to port and those in port are advised not to venture out.



The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system and all interests should pay special attention to subsequent Releases.



The next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Noel will be issued at 11:00 p.m