Tropical storm conditions are expected to affect Jamaica within 24 hours.

This as the area of low pressure over the west-central Caribbean Sea has become better organized and is now a tropical depression.

The Met Service says it has the potential to further develop into a tropical storm later today.

In the latest bulletin issued at 11:22 a.m., the Met Service said a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica.

At 10:00 a.m., Tropical Depression Number 18 was located about 310 kilometers south of Kingston, or 370 kilometers southeast of Negril Point.

The depression is moving toward the north near 15 kilometers per hour and a northwestward motion is expected to begin later today and forecast to continue for the next few days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 miles per hour with higher gusts.

Steady strengthening is forecast and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today and a hurricane by Wednesday near Cuba.

On the forecast track, the depression is expected to continue moving towards Jamaica today and be near Jamaica by late this evening or early on Tuesday, near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, and approach Cuba on Wednesday.

While the system is in the vicinity of Jamaica, it is expected to produce locally heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds, primarily over southern and northeastern parishes.

Landslides should also be anticipated in vulnerable sections of the island.

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 Met Service continues to monitor the progress of Tropical Depression Number 18.