ropical Storm Melissa continues to churn dangerously slowly through the Caribbean Sea, posing a growing threat to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. For the fourth consecutive day, forecasters warn of prolonged and potentially deadly flooding as the storm stalls over the region, fueled by warm Caribbean waters.
As of Friday morning, Melissa was located approximately 185 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 260 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, according to the latest advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). Despite weakening slightly, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and higher gusts, the storm’s slow movement—just 1 mph to the east-southeast—has raised serious concerns about extended rainfall and flooding.
A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning have been issued for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti, including Port-au-Prince, while Jamaica remains under a tropical storm warning. The NHC expects Melissa to strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday afternoon and reach major hurricane status before the end of the weekend.
Forecast Path Raises Alarm
Melissa is forecast to drift northward slightly before curving west over the weekend, potentially skirting the southern coast of Jamaica. By Tuesday, the storm is expected to turn north again toward Cuba’s Cape Cruz region, accelerating as it strengthens.
In a strongly worded statement, the NHC called the situation “life-threatening,” urging residents in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba to complete preparations immediately. Heavy rainfall is expected to be the most dangerous impact:
- Haiti, Jamaica & Dominican Republic: 5 to 10 inches of rain through Sunday, with isolated totals even higher
- Puerto Rico, northern Haiti & northern Dominican Republic: 2 to 4 inches of rain
- Flash flooding, urban flooding and landslides are highly likely across mountainous terrain
Due to the slow movement and uncertainty in Melissa’s future track, additional heavy rainfall is expected into next week.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and the first to form in the Caribbean. Although this season has seen fewer storms so far, the unusually warm waters of the Caribbean provide fuel for rapid strengthening, raising concerns about powerful late-season hurricanes.
As Melissa nears hurricane intensity, emergency officials urge all residents in affected areas to monitor updates closely, follow local evacuation orders, and take immediate steps to protect life and property.
