A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Jamaica.

This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 48 hours.

The announcement by the Met Office follows this morning’s (October 30), Severe Weather Alert which has now been discontinued.

The tropical storm watch comes as the area of low pressure over the central Caribbean Sea becomes better organized, while moving westward and has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone by tonight.

At 4:00 p.m. potential tropical cyclone number 15 was centred near southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.

The system is moving towards the west-northwest and this motion is expected to continue over the next several days, with a gradual turn to the west by Tuesday night.

Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and the system is expected to become a tropical storm tonight and be near hurricane intensity by Tuesday night (November 1).

As the potential tropical cyclone moves into Jamaica’s territorial waters, fishers on the cays and banks are advised to exercise extreme caution at this time.

Small craft operators in our coastal waters are advised to return to port and those who are in port are advised not to venture out.