A hurricane warning continues for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Sandy maintains a path toward the island. Sandy is forecast to become a hurricane while approaching Jamaica tomorrow.

The Met Service says over the next 24-36 hours, rainfall is expected to increase significantly over Jamaica to produce flash floods and landslides at least through Thursday.

Winds are forecast to reach tropical storm strength by early Wednesday morning, increasing to hurricane force later in the day.

This means that the following dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected to affect Jamaica in 36 hours or less:

• Dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane force;

On this forecast track, the centre of Sandy will begin to move across Jamaica, from south to north, on Wednesday afternoon before heading towards eastern Cuba.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km/h (50 mph), with higher gusts, and additional strengthening is expected during the next 24-48 hours.

The Met Service will release the next bulletin on Tropical Storm Sandy at 5:00 p.m. today.

** from Jamaica Gleaner**