Jamaicans should still expect damaging winds as Category 4 Hurricane Melissa begins to move away from the island.

“We are expecting damaging hurricane force winds to continue across Jamaica especially St James, Trelawny, sections of St Ann and Hanover and then for the remainder of the islands, tropical storm force [winds/gusts],” said Rohan Brown of the Meteorological Service during an afternoon press briefing.

Brown said residents may also experience scattered showers, thunderstorms and heavy rain in St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth, sections of St Ann and light to moderate showers for the rest of the island, with strong gusty winds.

Rough seas and dangerous waves on the south coast, and storm surge of two to four feet for the North Coast are also anticipated.

At 5:00 pm, the eye of Hurricane Melissa was expected to move offshore within three hours, but Brown said even as the hurricane moves, the eyewall and spiral bands will fall behind it, bringing the forecast heavy winds and scattered showers.