KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) says that despite projections suggesting a direct hit by Tropical Storm Beryl on Jamaica some time on Wednesday next week, initial forecasts actually indicate that the centre could pass over 150 miles away from the country’s coastline.

In any case, the Met Service is advising Jamaicans to prepare for the worst.

The latest update from the National Hurricane Centre said Beryl is expected to rapidly strengthen and become a major hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands late Sunday night or Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge.

It said a hurricane watch is in effect for much of the Windward Islands.

Heavy rainfall and flooding are expected across the Windward Islands Sunday night and Monday.

The National Hurricane Center further warned that interests in the central and western Caribbean should monitor the progress of this system.

READ: Met Service: Tropical depression to develop into hurricane next week