Flood Risk Rises as TS Melissa Crawls Through the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Melissa is currently making its way through the central Caribbean Sea, prompting marine warnings and hurricane watches across the region. The National Hurricane Center has identified Melissa as a significant flood threat, particularly for Hispaniola and Jamaica. The storm is expected to unleash heavy rainfall over the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica throughout the weekend, with forecasts predicting over ten inches of rain in some areas. This deluge raises concerns about flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous regions. A hurricane watch has been issued for Jamaica, and hurricane conditions are possible in Haiti’s southwestern peninsula. Authorities are urging residents in these areas to complete emergency preparations by Thursday to safeguard lives and property. Melissa is projected to intensify into a hurricane by early next week, with its slow movement increasing the likelihood of prolonged rainfall and heightened risks. While the storm’s exact path and intensity remain uncertain, residents in Cuba and across the Caribbean are advised to stay vigilant and monitor official updates. Meanwhile, no other tropical cyclone activity is expected in the Atlantic over the next seven days.