KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has issued a Hurricane Watch and upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a warning as Tropical Storm Melissa edges closer to the island and parts of Haiti.

A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for southwestern Haiti and Jamaica, signaling the potential for hurricane conditions within 48 hours. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in place for Jamaica, where tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Melissa was located near latitude 15.5 North and longitude 74.9 West late Thursday, moving northwest at around 5 mph. Maximum sustained winds were recorded at 50 mph, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 115 miles from the center.

Forecasters expect the system to strengthen and possibly reach hurricane strength as it nears Jamaica and southwestern Haiti in the coming days.

Meteorologists warn of heavy rainfall between 5 and 10 inches across the southern Dominican Republic, Haiti, and eastern Jamaica, increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides. Hurricane conditions could begin affecting parts of Jamaica and Haiti by Friday afternoon.

Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to monitor official weather updates and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.