Storm 90 km (56 miles) southeast of Morant Point at 10:00 pm

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica, even as a better organised, stronger Tomas appears to be moving away. This means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained wind speeds of
34-63 knots or 63-117 km/h (39-73 mph) are expected within 6-12 hours.

Tomas is now moving towards the north-northeast near 15 km/h (9 mph) and a turn towards the northeast, with a further increase in forward speed,
is expected over the next 48 hours. On the forecast track, the centre
of Tomas will begin to move closer to southwestern Haiti tonight and
between northern Haiti and eastern Cuba tomorrow, Friday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 100 km/h (65 mph), with higher gusts.  Tomas is expected to continue gaining strength during the next 48 hours and could become a hurricane early
tomorrow. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 220 km (140
miles), mainly east of the centre.

Satellite imagery indicates that the heavy showers and thunderstorms associated with Tomas have barely skirted the eastern tip of Jamaica
over the past few hours. As the system moves towards the northeast, the
chance of flooding is significantly reduced across the island.

Small craft operators are, however, reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions
have returned to normal.

At 10:00 pm the centre of Tropical Storm Tomas was located near Latitude 17.3 degrees North, Longitude 75.5 degrees west; about 90 km (56 miles)
southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica or 370 km (230 miles) west-southwest
of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system.

The next bulletin on Tropical Storm Tomas will be issued at 5:00 am tomorrow, Friday.