The Jamaica Meteorological Service says while Tropical Storm Elsa continues to move away from the island, citizens should still expect heavy rains and strong winds associated with the system to persist on Sunday afternoon (July 4).

The Met Service, in a 2:00 pm bulletin, advised that the tropical storm warning activated for Jamaica remains unchanged at this time.

Satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Elsa as at 1:00 pm local time pinpoints the system’s centre near Latitude 19.3 North, Longitude 77.4 West—or about 105 kilometres northeast of Montego Bay, St James.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 95 kilometres/hour, with higher gusts. The agency indicated that some strengthening is possible today and tonight as Elsa approaches the south-central coast of Cuba; however, gradual weakening is forecast to occur on Monday when Elsa moves across Cuba.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 kilometres from the centre.

TS Elsa is moving towards the northwest near 22 kilometres/hour, and this general motion is expected to continue through Monday.

On the forecast track, Elsa will move away from Jamaica this afternoon, near or over eastern Cuba this evening, and approach central Cuba late tonight and early Monday.

“Although Elsa has begun to move away, periods of heavy rainfall will continue to spread across the island this afternoon while the tropical storm remains nearby,” the Met Service explained.

“Flash flooding and possible landslides will occur in low-lying and flood-prone areas today with 75-150 millimetres (3-6 inches) of rainfall in the forecast. Strong gusty winds are also possible during thunderstorms for at least the next 6-12 hours,” the agency added.

Fisherfolk, other small craft operators and marine interests are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and sea conditions have returned to normal.