SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Melissa remains nearly stationary in the central Caribbean, prompting forecasters to issue warnings about its potential to strengthen and cause immense damage. Forecasts predict up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rainfall across southwest Haiti, risking catastrophic flooding and landslides.
The National Hurricane Center has issued alerts, with expectations of torrential rain impacting Jamaica and southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Sadly, three fatalities have already been reported in Haiti, alongside casualties in the Dominican Republic.
These heavy rains will linger over specific areas for several days, remarked Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the U.S. National Hurricane Center. As of Friday, the storm was positioned approximately 215 miles (345 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 65 mph (100 kph) and a sluggish northward movement of just 2 mph (4 kph).
A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning have been activated for both Jamaica and Haiti’s southwest peninsula. In the forecasted path, officials say the areas could see significant rain—up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) through Tuesday, notably increasing the flood risk.
Warnings for Haiti
The National Hurricane Center has described the situation in Haiti as dire, alerting that subsequent heavy rains will cause catastrophic flash flooding and landslides through early next week. Tragically, a landslide in Port-au-Prince has claimed lives, with local agencies reporting at least three deaths linked to flooding incidents.
Preparedness has escalated, with over 100 emergency shelters set up in Haiti’s southern region. Residents like Wilgar Joseph are evacuating, seeking safety in homes located on higher ground as the storm threatens to escalate.
I have to protect my family and myself, Joseph stated.
Concerns stretch further for thousands of families already displaced due to gang violence, leaving them vulnerable to the approaching storm. With few options, residents express their anxiety over facing simultaneous threats from both gangs and the weather.
Forecasters predict a hazard ratio that classifies Melissa as evolving into a slow-moving disaster, with significant risks to millions of lives if the storm stalls.
In addition to Haiti, Jamaica has ramped up its emergency measures, activating over 650 shelters and closing schools, amid concerns over lethal flooding.
Furthermore, in the Dominican Republic, flooding has already severely affected nearly 200 homes, prompting school closures and travel warnings as public safety becomes paramount.
As the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season unfolds, officials continue to emphasize the urgent need for vigilance and safety in the affected regions.
