Jamaica, Haiti Under Threat From Tropical Storm Melissa

Jamaica and Hispaniola began bracing for what could be a major hurricane this week after the southern Caribbean woke up and gave birth to a rapidly growing Tropical Storm Melissa.

The National Hurricane Center said Melissa was still “disorganized and jogging slowly westward” as of the afternoon of Oct. 22, but it is still expected to deliver heavy rainfall and flooding to portions of the two islands throughout the week.

Its maximum sustained winds were around 50 mph, with faster gusts, and tropical-storm-force winds (39 mph to 72 mph) extending 115 miles from the storm’s center. Melissa is expected to continue to grow and become a major hurricane within the next five days.

“Melissa is expected to bring 5 to 10 inches of rain to the southern Dominican Republic, southern Haiti, and eastern Jamaica through Saturday, with locally higher amounts possible,” the National Hurricane Center said, adding that additional heavy rainfall was possible.

Melissa’s center was tagged 320 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 300 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, as of 5 p.m EDT on Oct. 22. The storm is projected to remain offshore, but is expected to make its closest pass to both islands over the weekend as a hurricane.

Melissa is also expected to turn south and pass below Jamaica while growing into a major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds predicted to reach 130 mph by Oct. 27.

The National Hurricane Center warned that “preparations to protect life and property” should be completed by Oct. 23.

Heavy rainfall is also predicted to extend to Puerto Rico and the northern half of Hispaniola through the weekend, which could trigger flash and urban flooding. Cuba was also advised to monitor the storm.

Melissa is moving incredibly slowly, clocking only 2 mph westward, and the National Hurricane Center noted that the storm’s speed and uncertainty in its track have reduced confidence in the exact rain total predictions.

“Due to Melissa’s slow motion, the risk of a prolonged period of strong winds, possibly lasting for a day or more, is increasing for
Jamaica and the Tiburon peninsula of Haiti,” the National Hurricane Center warned. “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, since strong winds could begin in these areas as early as late Thursday or Friday and continue increasing over the weekend.”

A tropical storm watch has been in effect for Jamaica’s entire coastline since Oct. 21, along with a hurricane watch for most Haiti’s southern half.

“Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland,” the Jamaican government announced on Oct. 21. “Other small craft operators in our coastal waters are advised to return to port. Small craft operators who are in port are advised not to venture out.”