Tropical Storm Melissa Update: Hurricane Watch Issued for Jamaica and Haiti

Tropical Storm Melissa Update

• ⚠️ Tropical Storm Melissa is located in the central Caribbean Sea, approximately 280 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• 📈 The storm is showing signs of becoming better organized, with maximum sustained winds currently at 45 mph.
• 🐌 Melissa is moving very slowly north-northwest at only 2 mph, and is expected to remain in the general vicinity through early next week.

Imminent Hazards for Jamaica and Haiti

• 🚨 A hurricane watch is in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti and the entire island of Jamaica.
• ⚠️ A tropical storm warning is also in effect for Jamaica.
• 🌊 Life-threatening hazards including long-duration wind, storm surge, and heavy rainfall are a major concern for Jamaica.

Storm Strengthening and Forecast

• 🚀 Melissa is expected to gradually strengthen over the next day, with rapid intensification anticipated this weekend.
• 🌪️ The storm is projected to reach hurricane strength and potentially become a powerful major hurricane near Jamaica by Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
• 💨 Sustained hurricane-force winds are increasingly likely across Jamaica over the next 5 days.

Rainfall and Landslide Risks

• 🌧️ Widespread rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches are expected across southern Haiti, southern Dominican Republic, and eastern Jamaica through Sunday.
• ⛰️ These rainfall amounts, combined with the storm's slow movement, are likely to cause significant life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas.
• 💧 Historically, rainfall has been the leading cause of fatalities in tropical storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean.

Preparations and Monitoring

• ⏳ Preparations to protect life and property in affected areas must be rushed to completion immediately.
• 🌬️ Tropical storm conditions could arrive in Jamaica as early as Friday, with strong winds potentially lasting for a day or more over Haiti's southwestern peninsula.
• 📺 Residents in Cuba and the rest of Haiti should continue monitoring Melissa's progress. For the latest updates, refer to the National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov and local government officials.