Met Service issues severe weather alert for Jamaica
/ Our Today
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The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has activated a severe weather alert for the island ahead of potential impacts of Invest AL98, a strong tropical wave gathering steam in the central Caribbean Sea.
In a statement on Monday (October 20), the Met Service said the alert will remain effective until Thursday 5:00 pm.
The Met Service further noted that environmental conditions are expected to be more favourable for tropical depression or tropical storm development in the next day or two while Invest AL98 moves across the central Caribbean.
In this scenario, the weather authority advised, it is possible that a tropical storm watch could be issued while the tropical wave moves closer to Jamaica.
“In any event, fishers and small craft operators, especially over southern waters, should be on the alert for deteriorating sea conditions, including thunderstorms and strong, gusty winds, on Wednesday and continuing through the week. Residents should also expect periods of heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds across sections of the island starting on Wednesday afternoon and continuing into the weekend,” the Met Service said.
Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to commence preparations with a view to evacuation, should it become necessary.
Meanwhile, sleuths at the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) have increased formation chances for Invest AL 98 to a ‘high’ of 90 per cent over the next two days, with Melissa being the next available name from the 2025 season list.
Though still lacking a well-defined centre, the NHC also called for interest in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba to remain vigilant in monitoring Invest AL98’s progression through the Caribbean Basin as “there is a risk of heavy rain and flooding, strong winds, and rough surf later this week”.
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