Tropical Storm Melissa Poised to Intensify, Threatening Jamaica and Haiti with Severe Weather

Tropical Storm Melissa is currently stationary in the central Caribbean, approximately 185 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 260 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm maintains sustained winds of 45 mph. Forecasters anticipate rapid intensification, potentially elevating Melissa to a Category 4 hurricane by Tuesday.

Authorities have issued a hurricane watch and tropical storm warnings for Jamaica and southwestern Haiti. The storm has already resulted in fatalities in Haiti due to landslides and flooding, with at least three deaths reported. Heavy rainfall is expected to cause catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, where emergency shelters and mandatory evacuations are underway.

Jamaica may experience hurricane conditions for over 72 hours, prompting closures of schools, government offices, and airports in preparation. Melissa is the 13th named storm of an already intense Atlantic hurricane season, which is forecast to exceed average activity through November 30.