WEATHER | Tropical Storm Ian heads towards Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cuba

KINGSTON, Jamaica, September 24, 2022 - A TROPICAL STORM WATCH for Jamaica remains in effect as the season's 9"' named storm Tropical Storm Ian, forms over the central Caribbean Sea south of Hispaniola. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat Lo Jamaica within the next 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Ian is expected to move across the central Caribbean today, pass southwest of Jamaica on Sunday before entering the western Caribbean on Monday. As a result, a Tropical Storm watch is in effect for Jamaica and weather conditions across the island are expected to deteriorate beginning today.

At 11:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Ian was located near latitude 14.8 degrees North, longitude 72.0 degrees West, or about 625 kilometres (385 miles) east-southeast of Kingston, or 566 kilometres (352 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point. Jamaica.
Ian is moving towards the west-northwest near 19 km/h (12 mph). 

A westward or west-northwestward motion is expected through early Sunday. A tum toward the northwest is forecast late Sunday. followed by a north-northwestward turn by late Monday.

It is important that we properly interpret graphics concerning tropical systems that are threats. In the displayed cone, the white area DOES NOT show the extent of storm conditions but instead indicates the possible range of positions in which the centre could be located. pic.twitter.com/GTbRRX1AUc

— MetServiceJA (@MetserviceJA) September 23, 2022

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 km/h (40 mph) with higher gusts. Strengthening ls forecast during the next few days. and Ian is expected to become a hurricane Sunday night. Tropical-s1om1-force winds extend outward up 10 55 km (35 miles) from the centre.
On the forecast track, the centre of Ian is forecast lo move across the central Caribbean Sea through Saturday, pass southwest of Jamaica on Sunday. and pass near or over the Cayman Islands Sunday night and early Monday.

The Tropical Storm has the potential to produce 100 -200mm of rainfall, mainly over eastern and southern parishes as It passes close lo the island on Saturday night and Sunday. Flash Flooding is therefore likely over low-lying and flood-prone areas during the weekend and on Monday.

All small craft operators including flshers from the cays and banks should by now have completed all the necessary safety precautions and are advised to remain in safe harbour until al1 warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.