KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) - Tropical Storm Melissa is anticipated to strengthen into a hurricane, with forecasts indicating significant rainfall and life-threatening flooding and landslides in the northern Caribbean. Southwest Haiti is expected to bear the brunt, with an astonishing 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain projected. The slow-moving storm has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another individual is reported missing.
Weather forecasts predict that Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic could receive up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain by Monday. Particularly, Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula may see rainfall totals reach as high as 35 inches (89 centimeters). Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, warned, “If those rains were to occur, you’re talking about catastrophic flooding potential.”
As of the latest reports, Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 180 miles (290 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and around 245 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm boasted maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and was moving northwest at a slow pace of 3 mph (6 kph). A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are currently in effect for Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti.
Forecasters predict that Melissa will likely strengthen and become a major hurricane by Sunday, possibly reaching Category 4 status by early Monday. Following its path, the storm is expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba by early Wednesday, with some areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has advised that Melissa may produce tropical storm or hurricane conditions in both the Southeast and Central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, by the start of next week. In anticipation of severe weather, Jamaican authorities have indicated that all airports will be closed within 24 hours if a hurricane warning is issued, while more than 650 shelters have been activated for those who may need refuge.
Officials have reassured the public that warehouses across Jamaica are well-stocked, and thousands of food packages are prepositioned for quick distribution as needed. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to treat this weather threat with utmost seriousness, advising, “Take all measures to protect yourself.”
Tropical Storm Melissa has already caused damage to nearly 200 homes in the Dominican Republic, disrupting water supply systems that serve over half a million residents. The storm's impacts have included downed trees and traffic lights, minor landslides, and the isolation of more than two dozen communities due to flooding.
Melissa is noted as the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had previously predicted an above-normal hurricane season, estimating 13 to 18 named storms.
