KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center has advised that the area of disturbed weather over the Caribbean Sea has strengthened and is now officially Tropical Storm Lisa.

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Jamaica as the system is expected to pass south of the island today. This means that tropical storm conditions could start to affect the island within 48 hours.

READ: Tropical Storm Watch still in effect as tropical disturbance passes south of Jamaica

According to the latest bulletin from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, the storm was centred near latitude 15.6 degrees North, longitude 76.7 degrees West or about 265 kilometres (165 miles) south of Morant Point, Jamaica.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 65 km/h (40mph), with high gusts.

The Met Service is warning fishers on the cays and banks to exercise caution at this time as dangerous sea conditions are expected. Tropical storm force winds are anticipated over southern offshore waters.

“The system has the potential to produce 50-100 millimetres (2-4 inches) of rainfall over eastern and southern parishes. Residents should be on alert for possible flash flooding.

Tropical Storm Lisa is expected to gradually strengthen over the next few days.