Tropical Storm Melissa Slowly Moves Through the Caribbean

Early Friday, Tropical Storm Melissa was creeping through the central Caribbean, with experts warning that it might soon gain strength and pass over Jamaica, potentially becoming a powerful hurricane. This could lead to “catastrophic” flash floods and landslides, particularly in southern Haiti.

The storm is expected to unleash significant rainfall in southern Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic throughout the weekend.

“The combination of rainfall and storms is a serious concern,” said Michael Brennan, who heads the US National Hurricane Center in Miami. “Historically, heavy rainfall has been the leading cause of fatalities related to tropical cyclones and hurricanes in the Caribbean.”

Melissa was situated around 255 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and approximately 425 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Currently, maximum sustained winds are reported at 45 mph, with Melissa moving north at a slow pace of 2 mph.

Hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings have been issued for Jamaica and the southwestern part of Haiti.

Melissa was anticipated to gradually approach Jamaica over the weekend, likely strengthening into a hurricane by Saturday. By the end of the week, forecasters expect it could reach Category 4 status by Tuesday.

In eastern Jamaica, up to 14 inches of rain could fall. This area is already experiencing issues from recent rains, leading to flooding and landslides.

As a precaution, schools, health facilities, and government offices were closed in Jamaica on Thursday. Authorities also warned that airports would close within a day if a hurricane warning is declared.

Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation, cautioned the public against underestimating the storm’s potential, stating, “Please be very careful as the situation can change in an instant.” He noted that “the situation is certainly serious.”

Southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic are also expected to receive about 14 inches of rain, with more precipitation possibly extending into Sunday.

Officials reported that as a result of the storm, there has been at least one fatality in southern Haiti, with several injuries reported due to flooding in the central region.

The United Nations announced it is mobilizing over 100 emergency shelters in southern Haiti in response to the situation.

Melissa’s effects are already being felt in the Dominican Republic, where dozens of water systems have been damaged, impacting over 500,000 customers.

In terms of structural damage, there have been instances of downed trees and traffic lights, as well as minor landslides.

All public schools across the Dominican Republic will close on Friday, along with government offices in 12 states that are currently on alert.

“This is an event that must be monitored continuously,” remarked Juan Manuel Méndez García, the head of emergency operations in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the necessity of mandatory evacuations in certain areas.

Interestingly, Melissa is the 13th named storm of this Atlantic hurricane season and the first one to develop in the Caribbean this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a somewhat intense season, projecting between 13 to 18 named storms, with five to nine possibly developing into hurricanes, and two to five of those becoming major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater.

For reference, the Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th.