KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Meteorological centre reported this morning that Tropical Storm Ernesto has shown signs of weakening last night.

However, the Tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica as Ernesto is on a trajectory taking it south of the island.  

This means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained wind speeds of 34-63 knots or 63-118 km/h, are expected for sections of the island today.

At 7:00 am the centre of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near Latitude 15.0 degrees North, Longitude 76.0 degrees West; about 340 kilometres (210 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.

Ernesto is moving towards the west near 35 km/h (22 mph) and this motion is expected to continue today and tonight with a decrease in forward speed.  On this track, the centre of the tropical storm will pass 160 miles south of Jamaica today before moving north of Honduras on Monday, the Met office reported.

According to the Met office satellite imagery indicates that Jamaica is already coming under the influence of outer rain-bands associated with Ernesto.  These will continue to produce periods of heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds over the island today, starting in the east and progressing to the west.  Residents in southern coastal areas should also expect increased tides during the passage of the system.