A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Jamaica as dangerous Hurricane Ike prepares to make landfall over eastern Cuba. This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within 36 hours.

At 7:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Ike was located near latitude 21.1 degrees North and longitude 75.2 degrees West. This is about 380 kilometres (240 miles) north-northeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, or 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Guantanamo, Cuba.

Ike is moving towards the west at about 22 km/h (14 mph) and a west to west-northwestward motion is expected tonight and Monday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 195 km/h (120 mph), with higher gusts, making Ike a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Ike is expected to remain a major hurricane tonight, but some weakening is likely tomorrow as it moves over land. Hurricane force winds now extend outward up to 95 kilometres (60 miles) from the centre and tropical storm force winds extend 230 kilometres (145 miles).

Hurricane Ike is forecast to make landfall over eastern Cuba tonight and remain inland over central Cuba through Monday. During this time, Jamaica could be within the range of storm-force winds associated with the hurricane. Outer bands of heavy showers and strong, gusty winds are also expected to sweep across the island over the next 24-36 hours, affecting mainly northern parishes. Flash flooding, therefore, remains a possibility over low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Marine conditions, especially north of the island, will also deteriorate this evening and small craft operators, including fishers in northern waters, are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and not venture far from land. Offshore winds are expected be near-westerly, reaching close to gale force by tonight.

Source:  Jamaica Met Service