The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has raised alarms as Tropical Storm Melissa gains momentum in the Caribbean, with predictions indicating it will escalate into a major hurricane by the weekend. As of 5 p.m. EDT, Melissa was positioned approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 225 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm is advancing northward at a sluggish pace of 2 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and higher gusts, with a minimum central pressure of 995 millibars. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning are currently active for Jamaica and southwestern Haiti, with the NHC emphasizing the urgency of completing life-saving preparations. Forecasters anticipate Melissa will unleash life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across Jamaica, southern Haiti, and parts of the Dominican Republic starting late Saturday. Rainfall estimates range from 15 to 25 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 35 inches, particularly on Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. The NHC has highlighted the risk of catastrophic flooding in southern Haiti and significant threats in Jamaica and the southern Dominican Republic. Hurricane-force winds are expected to impact Jamaica by late Sunday or early Monday, preceded by tropical-storm-force winds. Additionally, a life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 10 feet above ground level is predicted along Jamaica’s south coast, accompanied by destructive waves. Melissa’s slow progression exacerbates concerns, as prolonged heavy rain and wind could intensify flooding and landslide risks. The storm is projected to move westward through Monday, potentially affecting Jamaica before shifting north and northeast toward eastern Cuba by midweek. Authorities in Jamaica and Haiti are urging residents to stay informed and expedite emergency preparations. For updates, the NHC recommends visiting hurricanes.gov.
Multi-Day Onslaught of Heavy Rain and Damaging Winds Forecast To Batter Jamaica as Melissa Approaches
