KINGSTON, Jamaica— While the tropical storm warning for Jamaica has been lifted a flash flood warning is now in effect for southern parishes and a flash flood watch has been issued for northern parishes until 5:00pm Tuesday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) said.

A flash flood warning means that flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. The warning has been issued for parishes including Westmoreland, St Elizabeth Manchester, Clarendon, St Catherine, Kingston, St Andrew and St Thomas.

A flash flood watch means that flash flooding is possible and residents are urged to take precautionary measures. The parishes issued this caution include: Hanover, St James, Trelawny, St Ann, St Mary, and Portland.

Met Service said the centre of Tropical Storm Rafael continues to move away from the western coast of Jamaica, however rainbands east of the centre continue to impact weather conditions across the island.

The weather service said at 1:00pm, the centre of the tropical storm was located about 115kilometres (70 miles) southwest of Montego Bay, and 90 kilometres (55 miles) west of Negril Point in Jamaica.

Rafael is forecast to be near the Cayman Islands Tuesday evening as a hurricane, before strengthening and making landfall in Cuba by Wednesday, Met Service said.

Periods of heavy rain are still expected for Jamaica throughout Tuesday afternoon and into the evening.

Small craft operators are reminded to remain in safe harbour until wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.