From The Meteorological Service - Monday, October 20, 2025:
The Meteorological Service has issued a Severe Weather Alert effective until 5 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2025.
A strong tropical wave is currently across the southeastern Caribbean Sea and is becoming better organized as it moves westward.
Conditions are expected to be more favourable for tropical depression or tropical storm development in the next day or two while the tropical wave moves across the central Caribbean. In this scenario, it is possible that a tropical storm watch could be issued while the tropical wave moves closer to Jamaica.
In any event, fishers and small craft operators, especially over southern waters, should be on the alert for deteriorating sea conditions, including thunderstorms and strong, gusty winds, on Wednesday and continuing through the week. Residents should also expect periods of heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds across sections of the island starting on Wednesday afternoon and continuing into the weekend.
Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to commence preparations with a view to evacuation, should it become necessary.
The Meteorological Service continues to closely monitor the progress of this tropical wave, and all interests are encouraged to pay special attention to further releases.
Latest From The National Hurricane Centre (NHC)
Invest 98L is currently located in the Caribbean Sea. The system has a 70% chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm in the next 2 days and a 90% chance in the next 7 days.
An Invest is an area of disturbed weather that is under investigation for its potential to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm.
Caribbean Sea:
Recent satellite wind data indicate the tropical wave located over the eastern Caribbean Sea still lacks a closed circulation but continues to produce a concentrated area of showers and thunderstorms near and to the east of the wave axis. Compared to yesterday, surface observations suggest the circulation is gradually becoming better defined, and environmental conditions are forecast to become a little more conducive for development as the system slows its forward motion. A tropical depression or storm is now likely to form over the next day or two as it moves into the central Caribbean Sea.
Regardless of development, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are possible over portions of the ABC Islands during the next couple of days. Interests in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba should monitor its progress as there is a risk of heavy rain and flooding, strong winds, and rough surf later this week. For addition information on this system, including Gale Warnings, please see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.
Editor's Note:
Although Invest 98L has not developed into a hurricane as yet, we should start to take precautions to deall with possible flooding.
