Gustav moves closer to Jamaica

This means that hurricane conditions still pose a possible threat, while tropical storm conditions are expected to affect Jamaica in 24 hours or less.



At 10 a.m. the centre of Gustav was located near latitude 18.8 degrees north and longitude 74 degrees west and was about 255 kilometres or 160 miles east-northeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.



At that time, Gustav was also 180 kilometres or 110 miles west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.



Gustav is now moving towards the west-northwest about 7 kilometres or 5 miles per hour.



The Met Office said this general motion is expected to continue, with an increase in forward speed, today.



On its forecast track, the centre of the tropical storm should move away from Haiti and across the Windward Passage by this evening and then pass between Cuba and Jamaica tomorrow.



Maximum sustained winds are nearly 95 kilometres or 60 miles per hour with higher gusts.



Gustav is expected to regain hurricane strength today or tomorrow as it moves away from Haiti.



Tropical storm force winds now extend up to 95 kilometres or 60 miles from the centre.



Based on Gustav’s current size and movement, outer bands of the storm could start to affect Jamaica with scattered showers and gusty winds today.



Heavy rainfall and strong winds are projected to spread across the island later tonight.



All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are advised to remain in safe harbour, until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions return to normal.