The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, which is currently positioned at latitude 16.3 north and longitude 75.0 west. As of 7:00 am this Saturday, the storm was located approximately 385 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 270 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Melissa is advancing northwest at a speed of 6 km/h (4 mph), with a projected shift to a westward/northwestward trajectory expected to persist through Sunday. A turn toward the north/northeast is anticipated by Monday and Tuesday. Indomet has maintained its warning, emphasizing that Melissa will bring frequent and intense rainfall, particularly affecting the southeast, southwest, and northeast regions, accompanied by isolated wind gusts. The storm currently boasts sustained winds of up to 110 km/h, with gusts reaching 130 km/h. Rapid intensification is forecasted, with Melissa expected to achieve hurricane status by today and escalate to a major hurricane by Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend roughly 185 kilometers from the storm’s center, with a minimum central pressure of 986 millibars. As Melissa progresses northward, heavy rainfall is expected to impact Caribbean coastal provinces, where flood warnings remain active. Indomet highlighted significant rainfall accumulations in various regions, including Santo Domingo Este (177.9 mm), Centro de los Héroes (175.6 mm), and Los Prados (160.5 mm). The Government has also cautioned about abnormal wave activity on the Caribbean coast, with waves exceeding 8 feet. Small and medium-sized vessels are advised to remain in port, while tourist resorts are urged to implement precautionary measures to safeguard coastal facilities. On the Atlantic coast, vessels are recommended to navigate cautiously near the shore, avoiding open waters.
Melissa is reaching hurricane force: where it is and what effects it will continue to cause
