Kingston, Jamaica – Tropical Storm Melissa is drifting slowly east-southeast with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Gradual strengthening is expected through Friday, with forecasters predicting Melissa could become a hurricane by Saturday and potentially a major hurricane by Sunday.
A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti, including areas from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince. The storm’s slow movement is raising serious concerns about prolonged heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and dangerous storm surge across the region.
According to the NHC’s 11 a.m. advisory, Jamaica faces the threat of multi-day flooding and landslides beginning Saturday or Sunday. “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the advisory warns.
In Haiti, officials expect “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides” across the southwestern region, potentially isolating communities early next week. Strong winds could persist over the Tiburon Peninsula for more than a day.
The remainder of Hispaniola and eastern Cuba may also see life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in the southern Dominican Republic. Forecasters urge residents across the northern Caribbean to closely monitor Melissa’s track as it moves slowly toward the northwest by Sunday.
For updated forecasts and emergency guidance, visit hurricanes.gov.
