Preparations are in high gear for the weather system that is predicted to impact the island over the weekend.

Tropical depression #9 has formed over the central Caribbean sea and is expected to continue strengthening slowly over the next couple of days while moving closer to Jamaica.

A severe weather alert remains in effect for the island.

Mayor of Port Maria, Richard Creary, told IRIE FM News this morning that all 53 of the parish’s shelters are being prepared for use.

He said drains are also being cleared in the Port Maria and Annotto Bay areas that are prone to flooding.

Over in the central part of the island, Mayor of May Pen Winston Maragh said shelter managers have been placed on alert and that they have also contacted churches to aid in providing shelter if necessary.

He said the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)  is to provide items for shelters.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Spanish Town, Norman Scott, says his shelter managers are also on high alert, but he is awaiting funding from the government to clean the drains across the parish.

And some schools have confirmed that preparations are progressing as scheduled, for their facilities to be used as shelters.

The Education Ministry announced yesterday that schools that are designated emergency shelters, should close at 12:30 today to allow for full preparation in the event, they will be used to house evacuees.

Principal of the Frankfield Primary & Infant school in Manchester, Vasper Scarlett said important documents are being stored and areas are being cleared out for community members.

Meanwhile, the Principal of Sandy Bay Primary & Junior high school in Hanover said while the school lacks some infrastructural facilities, preparations are also progressing.