Tropical Storm Melissa has gained strength in the Caribbean, triggering a hurricane watch for parts of Haiti and a tropical storm watch for Jamaica, where a significant number of Bahamian students reside. Meteorologists predict that Melissa will escalate into a hurricane by Saturday as it moves northward, bringing torrential rains, powerful winds, and turbulent seas to the region. While The Bahamas remains outside the immediate threat zone, a potential northward shift could result in rain, squalls, and coastal swells affecting the southern islands next week. According to CNN, the storm was positioned 300 miles south of Haiti yesterday, with sustained winds reaching 50 miles per hour. Experts have warned of up to a foot of rainfall in certain areas, raising concerns about flash floods and mudslides, particularly in Hispaniola. Alveta Knight, Bahamian Consul General in Jamaica, assured that her office is vigilantly monitoring the situation and preparing to assist Bahamian citizens, especially students, if necessary. She highlighted that approximately 160 Bahamian students are enrolled in Jamaican universities, alongside 20 to 70 permanent residents, though these numbers vary. Knight emphasized that students are advised to adhere to campus safety protocols, which include evacuation and disaster response plans. In cases where institutional measures fall short, the Bahamian government steps in to ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens. Past hurricanes have seen students transported back to The Bahamas via government-coordinated flights. Knight also noted that assistance is available to all Bahamians who can verify their citizenship, regardless of prior registration with the Consulate. She observed that many Bahamians only seek Consulate support during emergencies, such as the need for emergency travel documents or family crises. With Melissa’s trajectory still uncertain, WESH 2 First Warning Weather forecasts suggest a northward path over Hispaniola, though some models indicate a possible turn toward The Bahamas.