Tropical Storm Melissa is stalling — and that’s what makes it dangerous.
The longer it sits over the Caribbean meteorologists say, the more rain it dumps — and the greater the risk it strengthens into a major hurricane.
Forecasts now show Melissa could reach Category 4 strength next week, powered by record-warm waters.
🔺 Jamaica is under a tropical storm warning, with outer winds expected within 24 hours.
🔺 Hurricane watches are up for Jamaica and parts of Haiti, where officials warn of flash floods and deadly mudslides.
🔺 Dominican Republic could also see days of heavy rain.
Right now, Jamaica appears to be in the center of Melissa’s path — and officials are urging residents to prepare early and stay alert as the storm strengthens.
Meteorologists say Melissa is already bringing heavy rain to parts of the Caribbean. Up to 10 inches of rain could fall, with isolated totals topping a foot across southern Haiti, southern Dominican Republic and eastern Jamaica through the weekend, according to CNN.
Jamaica’s two international airports will close in 24 hours as the country sit under a hurrican watch. For now, both the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston are operating as usual.
The bottom line:
Melissa’s slow movement could turn a tropical storm into a catastrophic hurricane, and time is running out to prepare.
CNN