Tropical Storm Melissa Nears Hurricane Strength as Jamaica Braces for Torrential Rain

Tropical Storm Melissa is strengthening rapidly in the Caribbean, with forecasters warning that it could reach hurricane status within hours and potentially intensify into a major hurricane by Sunday. The system is already unleashing torrential rain, strong winds, and flash flooding across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Authorities have issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica and a hurricane watch for parts of southern Haiti. The storm has already caused deadly flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, leaving at least four people dead and several missing. Officials warn the threat is far from over as Melissa moves slowly through the warm Caribbean waters, creating perfect conditions for rapid intensification.

Melissa Expected to Become a Hurricane Soon

As of Saturday morning, Melissa was located about 160 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph). It was moving west-northwest at only 1 mph (3 kph), a speed that makes it particularly dangerous due to prolonged rainfall. The storm’s slow progress means rainbands continue to pound the same areas, significantly increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods.

Forecasters predict Melissa could dump up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain across southern Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with the heaviest downpours expected on Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula, where totals could reach 35 inches (89 centimeters). The National Hurricane Center’s deputy director, Jamie Rhome, called the situation “catastrophic” if those rainfall totals materialize.

In Haiti, three deaths have already been confirmed, with several injuries caused by collapsed walls and rising river levels. One bridge in Sainte-Suzanne has been destroyed due to flooding, isolating communities in the area. In the Dominican Republic, nearly 200 homes were damaged, and water systems were disrupted, leaving more than half a million people without access to clean water.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents to take the storm seriously. “Take all measures to protect yourself,” he said in a televised address. More than 650 shelters have been opened across the island, and airports are prepared to close if conditions worsen.

Heavy Rain and Major Flooding Threat Across the Caribbean

Experts expect Melissa to reach Category 3 or possibly Category 4 strength by early Monday as it tracks near Jamaica before moving toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has already warned of potential tropical storm or hurricane conditions for the southeast and central islands early next week.

Emergency response teams in Jamaica and Haiti are on high alert, while international agencies monitor the situation closely. Local weather services warn that rivers could overflow rapidly and infrastructure damage could worsen overnight as the storm’s core edges closer.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which continues to be more active than average. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted 13 to 18 named storms this year, with several expected to reach major hurricane status. This year’s warm ocean temperatures and reduced wind shear have created conditions ripe for rapid storm development.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to become a hurricane soon as it barrels toward Jamaica and the northern Caribbean. With the risk of catastrophic rainfall and widespread flooding, residents are urged to stay alert, prepare emergency kits, and follow official evacuation orders if issued.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Tropical Storm Melissa become a hurricane?

Forecasters expect Melissa to reach hurricane strength within the next 24 hours and possibly become a major hurricane by Sunday.

Q2: Which countries are under warning for Melissa?

Jamaica is under a hurricane warning, while Haiti’s southwestern peninsula and parts of the Dominican Republic are under a hurricane watch.

Q3: How much rain could Jamaica and Haiti get from Melissa?

Up to 25 inches of rain is forecast for Jamaica, with as much as 35 inches possible in Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula, leading to extreme flood risk.

Q4: What are authorities doing to prepare for the storm?

Jamaican officials have opened over 650 shelters, stocked warehouses with emergency supplies, and prepared airports for closure if necessary.

Q5: Will Melissa affect the United States?

Current models show the storm tracking through the Caribbean toward Cuba and the Bahamas, not the U.S. mainland. However, it may cause coastal swells in Florida.