Tropical Storm Rafael is strengthening as it moves closer to the southern coastline of Jamaica, according to the Meteorological Service.

It its 5am bulletin on Tuesday, the weather authority said at 4am, the centre of Tropical Storm Rafael was located about 170 kilometres (105 miles) southwest of Kingston, 88 kilometres (55 miles) south of Treasure Beach, and 130 kilometres (80 miles) southeast of Negril Point, Jamaica.

Tropical Storm Rafael is moving northwest near 20 km/h (13 mph) and a generally northwest motion is expected over the next few days. On the forecast track, the storm is expected to move near Jamaica on Tuesday morning, be near Cayman Islands on Tuesday night, and be near or over western Cuba on Wednesday.

Maximum sustain winds have increased to near 95 km/h (60 mph) with higher gusts. Steady to rapid intensification is forecast over the next 24 to 36 hours, making Rafael a hurricane near the Cayman Islands, with further strengthening before it makes landfall in Cuba. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 165 kilometres (105 miles) from the centre, the Met Service said.

It added that based on the forecast track, Jamaicans should expect periods of heavy rainfall measuring 75 to 150 millimetres (three to six inches) to continue to spread across Jamaica on Tuesday, producing flash flooding in flood-prone areas islandwide. Higher amounts are likely in higher elevation and landslides should be anticipated in vulnerable sections of the island, said the weather authority, adding that coastal flooding is also possible along with strong gusty winds reaching tropical storm force.

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