Melissa Threatens Jamaica; Fatalities Reported in Haiti, DR

Tropical Storm Melissa was just below hurricane strength Saturday and the National Hurricane Center says it is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane, with some models projecting Category 4 — and possibly Category 5 — strength within days. Jamaica is under a hurricane warning and is forecast to take a near‑direct, prolonged hit early next week, with 15–25+ inches of rain likely along with damaging winds, life‑threatening storm surge, catastrophic flash flooding and landslides; parts of the island could experience hurricane conditions for days due to Melissa’s slow movement. Haiti — especially the Tiburon Peninsula — and the Dominican Republic face life‑threatening rainfall, with some areas in Haiti forecast to receive up to 35 inches, raising risks of severe flooding and deadly landslides, and early reports indicate multiple fatalities in both countries. Melissa’s very slow forward speed will exacerbate wind, storm surge and flooding impacts before the storm is forecast to turn north toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas and then move out to the Atlantic. Forecasters currently say Melissa poses little to no direct risk to Florida or the continental United States, but residents of eastern Cuba, the Bahamas and nearby islands should monitor watches and warnings closely.