The Meteorological Service has continued the Flash Flood Warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes until 5:00 p.m. today as outer bands associated with newly formed Tropical Storm Alex, over the western Caribbean, extend across Jamaica

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for fast rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

At 4:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Alex was located near Latitude 16.9 degrees North, Longitude 84.9 degrees West, or about 355 kilometres east of Belize City, Belize.

Alex is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 kilometres per hour and a gradual turn toward the northwest with an increase in forward speed are expected during the next 48 hours. On its forecast tract, the centre of Alex will approach the coast of Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula tonight or Sunday morning.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 kilometres per hour with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected before the centre of Alex reaches the coast of Belize.

Although Alex is not considered a direct threat to Jamaica, the system has been generating showers and thunderstorms west of the island. The forecast is for occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms, in the outer bands, to affect sections of the island today as Alex drifts further towards the west today. Flash flooding is still expected in low-lying areas.

Marine interests should continue to exercise caution as weather conditions will remain unstable today and tonight. Strong, gusty winds are also likely in showers and thunderstorms over inshore and offshore areas of the north and south coasts.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system.