The Meteorological Service has extended the hurricane watch for the island as Hurricane Gustav continues on track to pass in the waters between Jamaica and Cuba.

, continues to move northwest at 17km per hour (10 miles per hour). Yesterday, the hurricane moved across Haiti and forecasters said they expect a decrease in forward speed last night. "On this forecast track, the centre of the hurricane should begin to move away from Haiti towards the Windward Passage tonight and between Cuba and Jamaica tomorrow," it said.

Increased wind

However, the decrease wind speeds are not expected to continue for long, as they expected it to increase when it went back out to sea last night. "Maximum sustained winds are nearly 120km/h (75mph), with higher gusts, and Gustav is expected to restrengthen tonight after passing over land. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 30km (20 miles) from the centre, while tropical storm force winds extend up to 110km (70 miles)," the release said.

At 4:00 p.m. yesterday, the centre of Hurricane Gustav was located near latitude 18.4 degrees north and longitude 73.2 degrees west. This is about 330km (205 miles) east of Morant Point, Jamaica; or 95km (60 miles) west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Jamaica is expected to begin feeling the effects of the hurricane as early as this evening. As the system moves closer to the island today, rainfall is expected to increase as well as wind speeds. Storm surges of 1-2 metres could be experienced along the north coast.

"All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, should by now be in port and are urged to complete their necessary safety precautions without delay," the release said.