A tropical storm watch has been issued for the island, which is set to take effect at 5 p.m. today, November 16.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica made the announcement in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, this afternoon.

The tropical storm watch comes as a low pressure moving across the southwestern Caribbean produces showers and thunderstorms.

A flash flood watch has also been issued for all parishes and will remain in effect until 8:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17.

The Meteorological Service says the environment appears conducive for some additional development and there is now a 60 per cent chance of the formation of a tropical cyclone (tropical depression or tropical storm) over the next two days.

The system is currently moving northeastward across the region and the centre is expected to move near to or over Jamaica on Friday afternoon, before continuing northeastward and away from the island.

Fishers and marine interests are urged to exercise caution as sea conditions are expected to deteriorate due to thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The Meteorological Service says it will continue to monitor the system.