Tropical Storm Melissa Nears Category 4 Hurricane, Threatens Jamaica and Surrounding Caribbean With Catastrophic Flooding

Tropical Storm Melissa, currently located southeast of Jamaica, is on the verge of rapidly intensifying into a major hurricane, potentially reaching Category 4 strength as it approaches Jamaica and the surrounding Caribbean region. The storm's extremely slow movement is expected to bring prolonged heavy rainfall, with totals forecasted up to 25 inches in Jamaica and 35 inches in southern Haiti, leading to life-threatening flash floods, landslides, and widespread damage. Melissa has already caused fatalities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and hurricane warnings have been issued for Jamaica and parts of Haiti, with emergency measures activated including public hospital preparedness. Forecast models indicate the storm will make landfall on Jamaica within 72 hours, with catastrophic impacts expected from intense winds, flooding, and storm surge. After Jamaica, Melissa is projected to move across southern Cuba and towards the Bahamas, with uncertain timing of its northeastward turn influenced by atmospheric conditions over the southeastern U.S. Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to take all precautions seriously due to the storm's potential for severe and lasting damage.