Tropical Storm Isaac has now entered the Caribbean Sea and is posing a threat to marine interests throughout the region, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica said yesterday.

The MET Service said in a bulletin that the centre of the tropical storm is expected to pass south of Puerto Rico and be near the south coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Friday.

It is then expected to be northeast of Jamaica's mainland by Saturday morning while approaching eastern Cuba.

The main threat to surrounding waters at this time would be strong northerly to northwesterly winds reaching near tropical storm force and outbreaks of heavy showers and thunderstorms.

The MET Service said should there be any adverse changes in the forecast track of Isaac, it may be necessary to issue an evacuation notice for marine areas early on Friday.

All fishers on the cays and banks are therefore urged to hasten preparations with a view to evacuate at short notice, if required.

With weather conditions being expected to deteriorate due to the passage of the tropical storm, marine operators are urged not to venture far from the mainland.

The MET Service said that all interests should also pay special attention to subsequent releases.