Tropical Storm Ian is expected to rapidly strengthen over the central Caribbean Sea, while moving closer to Jamaica.

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the island.

This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to Jamaica within the next 48 hours.

In the latest update from the Met Service, at 10:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Ian was located about 435 kilometres south-south–east of Kingston, or 405 kilometres south- south–east of Morant point.

Ian is moving towards the west-south–west, near 24 kilometres per hour and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight.

Ian is expected to become a hurricane late Sunday evening and could be at, or near, major hurricane strength by late Monday, when it approaches western Cuba.

The centre of Ian is forecast to move across the central Caribbean Sea today, pass south west of Jamaica on Sunday.

Flash flooding is therefore likely over low-lying and flood-prone areas of Jamaica during the remainder of the weekend, and on Monday.

The Met Service said all small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, should by now, have completed all the necessary safety precautions.

The Met Service continues to monitor the progress of tropical storm Ian, and all interests are encouraged to pay special attention to further releases.

The next bulletin on this system, will be issued at 2 p–m today.