Melissa Expected to Rapidly Intensify Into Major Hurricane, Threatening Jamaica and Haiti With Catastrophic Flooding
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a stark warning as Tropical Storm Melissa gathers strength in the Caribbean, with forecasters expecting it to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane over the weekend.
At 5 p.m. EDT, Melissa was located about 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 225 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm was moving slowly north at 2 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph and higher gusts. Its minimum central pressure was 995 millibars.
A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning remain in effect for both Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. The NHC warned that “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”
Forecasters said Melissa is likely to bring life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides to Jamaica, southern Haiti, and portions of the Dominican Republic beginning late Saturday. The storm could dump between 15 and 25 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 35 inches, particularly across Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula.
“Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are anticipated in southern Haiti, while potentially catastrophic flooding is possible in Jamaica and the southern Dominican Republic,” the advisory stated.
As Melissa strengthens, hurricane-force winds could reach Jamaica by late Sunday or early Monday, with tropical-storm-force winds arriving sooner.
The NHC also warned of a life-threatening storm surge early next week, particularly along Jamaica’s south coast, where sea levels could rise 5 to 10 feet above ground level near and east of the expected landfall area. The surge will be accompanied by large, destructive waves.
Melissa’s slow movement raises additional concerns, as prolonged heavy rain and wind could worsen flooding and increase the risk of landslides.
The system is forecast to move westward through Monday, potentially passing near or over Jamaica before turning north and northeast toward eastern Cuba by midweek.
Authorities in Jamaica and Haiti are urging residents to monitor official updates and complete emergency preparations as quickly as possible.
For the latest information, the NHC advises visiting hurricanes.gov.
