The Jamaican government has issued a tropical storm watch for the island on Thursday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica has announced.
The advisory comes as weather conditions continue to worsen across the island due to an area of low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean.
According to the Met Office, there is at the moment a 60 percent chance of a tropical storm affecting the island, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a post on social media.
In a statement, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) also urged Jamaicans who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas to be ready to evacuate. Residents have been advised to also avoid flooded waterways, areas with damaged roadways, and, where possible, places prone to landslides and flooding.
The ODPEM has also directed persons to ensure that all important documents are secured in plastic bags or waterproof containers. All electrical, power, gas, and water supplies in areas that are in immediate danger from flooding should be turned off.
In addition, the ODPEM said in case of extensive rainfall, people should avoid going on the road except where absolutely necessary.
The ODPEM also sought to remind persons that the hurricane season has not yet ended, and all precautions issued by the agency, the meteorological service of Jamaica, and other authorities should be observed.
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