Tropical depression #9 is expected to continue its slow strengthening over the next couple of days as it moves closer to Jamaica.
According to the Meteorological Service Division (MSD), it has formed over the Central Caribbean Sea and is moving towards the west-northwest near 20 km/h (13mph) and a more westward turn is forecast over the next day or so followed by a turn back to the west-northwest and northwest by this weekend.
Maximum sustained winds are near 55km/h (35 mph) with higher gusts and slow intensification is forecast over the next day or so, followed by more significant strengthening over the weekend and early next week.
Tropical Depression #9 will move over the waters south of Hispaniola on Saturday and move c loser to Jamaica’s southwestern coastline as a tropical storm on Sunday as it approaches the Cayman Islands. All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, should be arriving in port to start preparations for safe harbour at this time.
Jamaica and its territorial waters should begin to feel impacts of the tropical depression as early as midday on Saturday with an increase in showers and gusty winds. The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the system.