Hurricane Melissa Intensifies in the Caribbean, Threatening Catastrophic Flash Flooding and Landslides
Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic season, has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of the latest update, Melissa’s core was located approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 250 miles west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. The hurricane is forecasted to bring “life-threatening and catastrophic” flash flooding and landslides to Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic early next week.
The NHC warns that Melissa is expected to become a major hurricane, meaning a Category 3 or higher, by Sunday. CBS News weather anchor Lonnie Quinn emphasized that the storm will intensify rapidly, with potentially catastrophic rainfall of up to nearly 3 feet in some areas. Jamaica, Haiti, and eastern Cuba should prepare for the worst, with mountainous terrain prone to mudslides. The storm’s slow drift northwest through the weekend will be followed by a turn north towards Jamaica on Monday or Tuesday, and then an acceleration towards eastern Cuba, the southeastern Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos in the middle of the week.
Forecast and Path
Melissa’s forecast path indicates that the hurricane will continue to move slowly, with tropical storm-force winds extending up to 160 miles from the storm’s center. The NHC has issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica and a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. Hurricane watches may be required for portions of eastern Cuba later Saturday. The Naval Station Guantanamo Bay has begun evacuating non-mission-essential U.S. citizens ahead of severe weather from Melissa, with all individuals expected to be evacuated by Sunday morning.
Rainfall Forecasts and Potential Impacts
The hurricane center predicts that Melissa will drop up to 25 inches of rain on parts of southern Haiti, the southern Dominican Republic, and Jamaica through Tuesday, with higher amounts possible in some areas. Southeast Cuba could see up to 12 inches of rain. The potential for catastrophic flash flooding and landslides is high, particularly in Jamaica and the southern Dominican Republic. Additional heavy rainfall is likely beyond Tuesday, although uncertainty remains about the more extended forecast.
According to the NHC, the storm’s rapid intensification and potential for catastrophic rainfall make it a significant threat to the region. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor the storm’s progress closely and follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local authorities. For the latest updates and forecast tracks, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website or consult reputable weather sources.
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