KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Tropical Storm Watch remains in place for Jamaica as Depression Number 18 strengthened into Tropical Storm Sandy.

The storm is located 395 miles southwest of the island with maximum sustained wind of 40 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami, US.

 A Tropical Storm Watch has also been implemented for Haiti.

Sandy is expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours as it moves towards Jamaica. The centre is forecast to be near or over the island by Wednesday morning and could be near hurricane strength by then, the NHC says.

The Jamaica Meteorological Service has advised fishers on the cays and banks are to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland. 

Other small craft operators in our coastal waters are also advised to return to port and small craft operators who are in port are advised not to venture out.

The Met Service says the Tropical Storm Watch should be upgraded to a Warning by tomorrow.