A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Jamaica as the large area of disturbed weather looms in the vicinity of the island.

This means that tropical storm conditions continue to pose a possible threat to the country.

A flash flood warning is also effective for low-lying and flood-prone areas of southern and eastern parishes, including Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland, and St. Mary.

Meanwhile, a flash flood watch remains in effect for other low-lying and flood-prone areas of the island.

The Met Service says at 10:00 AM, potential tropical cyclone number 22 was located about 123 kilometres south-west of Negril point.

The system is moving towards the northeast near 22 kilometres per hour with acceleration expected through the weekend.

On the forecast track, it is expected to move across Jamaica later today, and over Cuba, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 55 kilometres per hour. Slight strengthening is possible over the next couple of days; however, the chance of tropical cyclone development appears to be decreasing.

In this regard, the tropical storm watch for Jamaica could be lifted later this afternoon.

However, significant rainfall and flooding are expected to continue, mainly over southern and eastern parishes today and tonight.

The Met Service continues to monitor the system and will issue an update at 2:00 PM today.