Meteorological Service of Jamaica

08/17/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/17/2021 12:11

Bulletin No. 10

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

Bulletin No. 10

BULLETIN No: 10 GRACE PRODUCING HEAVY RAINFALL AND STONG GUSTY WINDS OVER JAMAICA….. TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is being kept in force for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Grace produces widespread rainfall and flash flooding across the island. This means that conditions associated with a tropical storm will continue across Jamaica today.

An initial analysis indicates that Tropical Storm Grace made landfall at approximately 10:00 a.m, about 300 meters southeast of Robins Bay, St. Mary. At 10:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Grace was located near Latitude 18.3 degrees North, Longitude 76.8 degrees West, or about 9 kilometres (6 miles) north-northwest of Annotto Bay and 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Grace is moving towards the west near 24 km/h (15 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 move over Jamaica's northern parishes today, then continue towards the Cayman Islands tonight.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 85 km/h (50 mph), with higher gusts. Grace is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane on Wednesday while moving farther away from Jamaica, with some additional strengthening possible prior to the centre reaching the Yucatan Peninsula. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the centre.

Weather conditions over Jamaica, especially over eastern and central parishes, continue to be impacted by the heavy showers and thunderstorms associated with Tropical Storm Grace. Rainfall will continue to spread across the island this morning while the tropical storm moves across northern parishes. Flash flooding will occur in low-lying and flood prone areas today with 100-150 millimetres (4-6 inches) of rainfall in the forecast. Strong gusty winds will continue during the next 6-12 hours.
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 2:00 p.m. today.