Tropical Storm Melissa Gears Up to Hit Caribbean with Heavy Rains

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to intensify into a hurricane this weekend, prompting urgent warnings about severe rainfall and potential life-threatening flooding in the northern Caribbean. Forecasters anticipate that southwest Haiti could receive as much as 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain, exacerbating the humanitarian challenges in the region.

As of Saturday, the storm has already claimed the lives of at least three individuals in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with reports of another person missing. In Jamaica, authorities are bracing for up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain, which could lead to significant flooding and landslides through Monday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has stated that if these rainfall amounts occur, the potential for catastrophic flooding is high.

Current Situation and Forecast

Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 180 miles (290 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 245 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. With maximum sustained winds reaching 65 mph (100 kph), the storm is moving northwest at a sluggish 3 mph (6 kph). Both a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are currently in effect for Jamaica and Haiti’s southwestern peninsula.

Forecasters expect Melissa to transform into a major hurricane by Sunday, with the possibility of reaching Category 4 status by early Monday. The storm is anticipated to make landfall in eastern Cuba by early Wednesday, where rainfall could reach up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) in certain areas.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has also cautioned that tropical storm or hurricane conditions could affect islands in the Southeast and Central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, early next week.

Preparations and Warnings

In response to the impending storm, Jamaican authorities have prepared for the worst. Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to take the weather threat seriously and to take all necessary precautions. He indicated that all airports would close within 24 hours if a hurricane warning is issued. Over 650 shelters have been activated, and officials have ensured that warehouses are stocked with supplies, including thousands of food packages ready for distribution.

In the Dominican Republic, the impact of Melissa has already been felt, with nearly 200 homes damaged and water supply systems disrupted, affecting over half a million residents. The storm has also downed trees and traffic lights, caused minor landslides, and left numerous communities isolated due to flooding.

Melissa represents the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has projected an above-normal season, with expectations of 13 to 18 named storms.

As the situation continues to evolve, residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and take safety measures seriously.