According to the National Hurricane Center ( NHC ) in Miami, a developing weather system in the south-central Caribbean Sea is expected to grow this week, which will cause tropical storm warnings for Jamaica and a hurricane watch for the Cayman Islands.
As of 7 pm EST on Sunday ( 5: 30 am IST on Monday ), the system was located approximately 345 miles ( 555 kilometres ) south of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph ( 55 kph ) and higher gusts.
Moving northward at 7 mph ( 11 kph ), the system is expected to shift northwest by Monday. By Monday, forecasters predict a tropical storm-like intensity with regular increase through the week.
Once winds reach sustained speeds of at least 39 mph (63 kph ), the system will be categorized as a tropical storm. If winds reach a maximum of 74 mph ( 119 kph ), it will be designated as a hurricane. Late on Monday, the system is anticipated to process Jamaica, and then on Tuesday and Wednesday, it should be close to the Cayman Islands.
People of Cuba and the Florida Keys are advised by the NHC to carefully screen the storm’s course because the system could cause significant rainfall in these regions. Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches ( 76 to 152 mm ) are expected across the western Caribbean, with isolated amounts of up to 9 inches ( 229 mm ) possible in Jamaica and southern Cuba, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides in these regions.
Heavy rain is anticipated to fall by the middle of the week in Florida and the surrounding southeast of the United States, with possible effects along the northern Gulf Coast. Residents living in the tide’s projected path are being advised to stay informed and make plans for possible extreme weather.
