Flood Risk Rises as TS Melissa Crawls Through the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Melissa is slowly moving through the central Caribbean Sea, triggering marine warnings and hurricane watches across the region. The National Hurricane Center says Melissa poses a major flood threat to parts of Hispaniola and Jamaica.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica through the weekend. Forecasters warn of flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas, with some regions projected to receive more than ten inches of rain.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Jamaica, and hurricane conditions are possible in Haiti’s southwestern peninsula. Authorities urge residents of these countries to complete preparations to protect life and property by Thursday.

Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by early next week, with its slow movement increasing the risk of prolonged rainfall across affected areas. 

While there is still uncertainty about Melissa’s exact path and intensity, residents in Cuba and across the Caribbean are being advised to monitor official updates closely. No other tropical cyclone formation is expected in the Atlantic over the next seven days.