Tropical Storm Tomas struck Jamaica last night with showers affecting sections of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.

According to a release from Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), up to 9 last night, there were no reports of flooding, landslide or storm surge in those areas. Up to three inches of rainfall was, however, recorded in Portland.

The release further stated that there were winds gusting up to 56 km/h (35 mph) detected in Morant Point, St Thomas.

Seven shelters were opened in six parishes; Kingston, St Catherine, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Hanover and Portland. There was a total of 21 persons said to be occupying these shelters, all of whom were in the facilities in Kingston and St Catherine.

light rainfall

Forecasters had projected that Jamaica would experience the worst of the winds and rains associated with Tomas between 7 yesterday evening and 7 this morning but for many residents of Portland, St Thomas and St Mary, the problems started much earlier.

But for persons in many other sections of the island the expected deluge from Tomas did not come as only moderate to light rainfall was reported.

That was explained by weather forecasters who noted that the worst of the rains associated with Tomas was on the eastern side of the system and away from Jamaica.

However, the forecasters, including the local Met Service, warned that flash flooding was possible in areas of mainly eastern parishes.

Above-average wave heights were also reported over coastal areas of north-eastern parishes.

That caused local disaster preparedness experts to remain on full alert last night with an appeal to Jamaicans not to let down their guard, a warning which few persons reportedly took heed to.