Meteorological Service of Jamaica

08/17/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/17/2021 22:28

Bulletin No. 14

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 11:00 p.m.

Bulletin No. 14

The Tropical Storm Warning is being kept in force for Jamaica while Tropical Storm Grace continues on a path away from the island. This means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained wind speeds of 34-63 knots or 63-118 km/h, remain a threat.

At 10:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Grace was located near Latitude 18.4 degrees North, Longitude 79.2 degrees West. This is about 96 kilometres (60 miles) west of Negril Point, Jamaica, or 235 kilometres (145 miles) east-southeast of Grand Cayman.

Grace is moving towards the west near 22 km/h (14 mph), and a general westward to west-northwestward motion is expected for the next several days.

On the forecast track, the centre of Grace will continue to move away from Jamaica and near or over the Cayman Islands late tonight and early Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 95 km/h (60 mph), with higher gusts. Grace is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane on Wednesday with some additional strengthening possible thereafter. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 kilometres (115 miles), primarily to the east of the centre.

Reports from Doppler radar and other observation platforms confirm that most parishes in Jamaica continue to experience periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds from outer bands associated with Tropical Storm Grace.

Outbreaks of showers will continue to impact the island through tonight, even as the centre of the tropical storm moves farther away. Flash flooding is still possible in low-lying and flood prone areas and gusty winds are likely to continue into the night. Improved weather conditions are expected to gradually return to the island tomorrow.

Marine operators are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and sea conditions have returned to normal.

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system and all interests must pay special attention to further Releases. The next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Grace will be issued at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.