A tropical storm watch was last night issued for Jamaica as the island prepares for possible impact from Tropical Storm Elsa.

The National Meteorological Service last night said that the projection is for rainfall in excess of 50 mm across the island, ranging between 75 mm and 100 mm in northern and southeastern parishes from Sunday through to Monday. The rain could, however, start affecting sections of the island as early as today.

Acting head of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Richard Thompson is confident that Jamaica’s disaster response agencies are ready to deal with any emergency from the rains expected to lash the island over the weekend.

“Work has gone in so far, from way before the start of the hurricane season [June 1], to ensure that the country is prepared as we normally do,” Thompson told the Jamaica Observer.

“We are looking now at the events for this weekend and if there are any possibilities for flooding and to advise the public as to anything they need to do. These are the flood-related warnings that we normally give to persons who live in flood-prone areas,” added Thompson.

He noted that a number of agencies are mobilised and prepared to deal with any eventuality.

“It is a national effort, so you talk about the resources that are with the National Works Agency, the local authorities, ODPEM. It is a combined effort and there are resources in place if there should be need for any response going into the weekend.