A Tropical Storm watch remains in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Depression Grace approaches southwestern Haiti and moves closer to Jamaica.

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

At 4:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Depression Grace was located about 400 kilometres or 250 miles east of Morant Point, Jamaica.

This is also 80 kilometres or 50 miles south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Maximum sustained winds are near 55 kilometes per hour with higher gusts, and some strengthening is forecast during the next few days.

Grace is expected to again become a tropical storm by tomorrow (August 17).

On the forecast track, the centre of Grace will move near the Tiburon Peninsula of Southwestern Haiti through tonight and then pass between Jamaica and Cuba tomorrow as a tropical storm.

The tropical depression will produce widespread showers and thunderstorms across Jamaica, starting late tonight and continuing through the day on Tuesday.

Rainfall amounts could reach 100 to 150 millimetres that’s 4 to 6 inches), generating flash floods and possible landslides.

Strong, gusty winds will also be experienced, primarily over northern parishes on Tuesday.

Sea conditions will gradually deteriorate over the next 24-36 hours, especially east and north of the island and marine interests are urged to exercise extreme caution.

Small craft operators should remain in port.