ST ANN, Jamaica — Disaster coordinator in the parish of St Ann, Alvin Clarke, said the necessary measures are in place to protect residents living in flood-prone areas in the parish, given the recent tropical storm alert now in effect for Jamaica.

Predictions are that once the system is in the vicinity of Jamaica, possibly reaching tropical storm force, it is expected to produce heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds primarily over northern and southern parishes late Wednesday and Thursday.

Disaster coordinator in the parish of St Ann, Alvin Clarke, told Observer Online that the corporation has been making preparations in light of the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th.

“Evacuation plans are in place for vulnerable areas,” he said.

The meteorological service of Jamaica has also advised fishers on the cays and banks to evacuate and return to the mainland, as all marine zones are also forecasted to be affected by heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Clarke also noted that the corporation has erected warning signs in flood-prone areas in the parish.

“Signs [are] in the most active areas, that is [the] roadway between Thachwalk and Cave Valley, and there is also a flood alert system in Pedro River,” he said.