KINGSTON, Jamaica – Fisherfolk across the island are being advised to evacuate the cays and banks as severe weather is expected to spread over the country within the next 36-48 hours.

In its latest bulletin on Thursday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica said the tropical wave over the southeastern Caribbean Sea continues to move westward towards the island.

At present, the wave is producing showers and thunderstorms and has the potential to develop further in the coming days.

Over the next 48 hours, the system is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression or storm, which could bring unstable weather over Jamaica’s territorial waters.

The Met Service is advising fisherfolk on the cays and banks to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland. Other small craft operators in Jamaican waters are advised to return to port. Operators already in port are being advised against returning to the waters.

The Met Service says it will continue to monitor this area of disturbed weather closely. Their next advisory is expected at 11:00 am.