KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Tropical Storm Watch for Jamaica has been discontinued with immediate effect as the chance of tropical cyclone development around the island has been significantly reduced. A flash-flood warning however, remains in effect for the island as heavy rains associated with the weather system are expected to continue affecting the island.

The parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Clarendon, Kingston and St Andrew, St Thomas, St Catherine, Portland and St Mary are to remain on alert as flooding could occur at any time.

At 1:00 pm Potential Tropical Cyclone Number 22 was centred near latitude 18.0 degrees north and longitude 78.5 degrees west. This is about 39 kilometres (25 miles) south south-west Negril Point or 180 kilometres (112 miles) west south-west of Kingston, Jamaica.

The system, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, is moving faster towards the northeast, At the current forecast track, the system is expected to move across Jamaica later today.

Although the Tropical Storm Watch is no longer in effect, the system will continue to induce bands of rainfall across the island and residents should remain on the alert for possible flash flooding in flood-prone areas. Fishers and other small craft operators are also encouraged to exercise caution until wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

This is the final bulletin that will be issued on the cyclone. The Meteorological Service will, however, continue to monitor the progress of this system and will inform on weather conditions through news releases and regular daily forecast products.