The that was in effect for Jamaica has been discontinued as Hurricane Melissa continues to move away from the island.

A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for northern, southwestern, and south-central parishes, as additional rainfall could lead to localized flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

At 7:00 a.m., the center of Hurricane Melissa was located near latitude 20.6 degrees North, longitude 75.7 degrees West. This is about 220 km (140 miles) north-northeast of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa is moving toward the north-northeast near 22 km/h (14 mph). A faster northeastward motion is expected during the next few days. On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move offshore eastern Cuba this morning

Maximum sustained winds are now near 165 km/h (105 mph), with higher gusts. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas later today and passes near Bermuda on Thursday night.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 km (30 miles) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 295 km (185 miles).

Doppler radar and satellite imagery indicate that rainbands associated with Hurricane Melissa continue to occasionally move across sections of Jamaica’s northern parishes, producing moderate to heavy rainfall. Light to moderate showers are also affecting other areas of the island.

Hurricane Melissa is expected to produce additional rainfall over Jamaica today. Amounts reaching 75-150 mm (3-6 inches), with higher totals over mountainous terrain, are possible. Further flash flooding and additional landslides could continue today and into tonight.

Although damaging winds are gradually subsiding across Jamaica, periods of tropical-storm-force winds may still affect sections of northern parishes, while strong, gusty winds are likely to continue over some southern areas.

Large waves are expected along coastal areas of the island today and tonight. Small craft operators are therefore advised to exercise extreme caution, as sea conditions will deteriorate in strong gusty winds, showers, and thunderstorms.

Note:

This is the final bulletin on Hurricane Melissa. Further information will be communicated in regular News Releases and other forecast products from the National Meteorological Centre.

For recorded updates, please dial 116.

END