A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Jamaica.

This as tropical depression number 9, which is now Tropical Storm Ian is expected to strengthen over the central Caribbean Sea, while moving closer to Jamaica.

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

At 7:00 a.m. The centre of Tropical Storm Ian was located, about 4 hundred and 85 kilometres, south-southeast of Kingston.

The Met Service says Ian is expected to become a hurricane late tomorrow.

The centre of Ian is forecast to move across the central Caribbean Sea today, pass southwest of Jamaica on Sunday, and pass near or over the Cayman Islands, Sunday night and early Monday.

Ian will then approach Cuba on Monday.

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

It says it 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 11:00 a.m. today.