Category 1 Hurricane Melissa Threatens Caribbean with Life-Threatening Flash Flooding and Landslides
A powerful storm system has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with forecasters warning of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Melissa is expected to bring "life-threatening" conditions to these countries early next week.
With maximum sustained winds reaching 90 mph, Melissa's core lies about 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and approximately 250 miles west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm's trajectory sees it inching west at a slow pace of 3 mph, with forecasters predicting it will make landfall in the region later this week.
Residents in these countries are advised to prepare for potentially catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, which could be triggered by heavy rainfall of up to 3 feet. The storm's impact on Jamaica is expected to be particularly severe, with some areas at risk of experiencing mudslides due to mountainous terrain.
Hurricane watches have been issued for Jamaica, while a hurricane warning has also been put in place for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. Additionally, tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of eastern Cuba and the southeastern Bahamas.
U.S. citizens living on naval stations in the Caribbean are being evacuated ahead of the severe weather from Melissa, with those leaving advised to bring only essential items.
While there is a risk of major impacts from Melissa, forecasters say the storm's chances of intensifying into a Category 3 or higher hurricane by Sunday remain uncertain.
Satellite imagery shows Melissa's rapid development and potential future paths in the Caribbean. The storm's trajectory suggests it could bring heavy rainfall to parts of southern Haiti, the southern Dominican Republic, and Jamaica through Tuesday. However, uncertainty surrounds the longer-term forecast, with additional heavy rainfall expected beyond Tuesday.
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring Melissa's progress, providing critical updates on its trajectory and potential impacts on the Caribbean region.
A powerful storm system has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with forecasters warning of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Melissa is expected to bring "life-threatening" conditions to these countries early next week.
With maximum sustained winds reaching 90 mph, Melissa's core lies about 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and approximately 250 miles west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm's trajectory sees it inching west at a slow pace of 3 mph, with forecasters predicting it will make landfall in the region later this week.
Residents in these countries are advised to prepare for potentially catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, which could be triggered by heavy rainfall of up to 3 feet. The storm's impact on Jamaica is expected to be particularly severe, with some areas at risk of experiencing mudslides due to mountainous terrain.
Hurricane watches have been issued for Jamaica, while a hurricane warning has also been put in place for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. Additionally, tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of eastern Cuba and the southeastern Bahamas.
U.S. citizens living on naval stations in the Caribbean are being evacuated ahead of the severe weather from Melissa, with those leaving advised to bring only essential items.
While there is a risk of major impacts from Melissa, forecasters say the storm's chances of intensifying into a Category 3 or higher hurricane by Sunday remain uncertain.
Satellite imagery shows Melissa's rapid development and potential future paths in the Caribbean. The storm's trajectory suggests it could bring heavy rainfall to parts of southern Haiti, the southern Dominican Republic, and Jamaica through Tuesday. However, uncertainty surrounds the longer-term forecast, with additional heavy rainfall expected beyond Tuesday.
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring Melissa's progress, providing critical updates on its trajectory and potential impacts on the Caribbean region.
I'm not gonna lie, this hurricane warning is super scary 
but at the same time... think of all the amazing stuff Jamaica and Haiti get to experience during flash flooding 
like, imagine seeing the rain from a different perspective or playing in the rivers with your friends! And hey, it's always good to take precautions and prepare for the worst, right? 
Plus, I'm sure the Navy will do an awesome job evacuating those US citizens 
. Fingers crossed Melissa doesn't become too intense and makes landfall soon 
. Let's all just stay safe and focused on each other 
!
anyway im worried about jamaica theyre so prone to landslides and mudslides it's only a matter of time before they get hit hard 
i wish us could just fast forward to when its all over can we pls? 
.
?
also, why is evacuation only advised for us citizens living on naval stations? shouldn't all ppl in the region be evacuated if they're in danger? 
at least 3 feet of rain is a lot... i just hope everyone stays safe 
i mean, people are always talking about 'natural disasters' like they're some kinda inevitability, like we're stuck on this rock forever... newsflash: weather changes, it's not like the earth itself is gonna rise up and get us 