Jamaica is bracing for a prolonged period of hurricane conditions, with some areas potentially experiencing up to 72 hours of severe weather. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of life-threatening flash flooding, landslides, and coastal storm surges, especially in the island’s mountainous regions. Rainfall totals could exceed 25 inches in some areas, with localized amounts reaching up to 50 inches.
“Due to Melissa’s slow motion, the risk of a prolonged multi-day period of potentially damaging winds, heavy rainfall resulting in life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides, and coastal flooding continues to increase for Jamaica,” the hurricane center said, according to the USA Today website.
“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, since strong winds and flooding rains could begin in Jamaica by Friday (Oct. 24) or Saturday (Oct. 25),” the hurricane center warned.
Regional impact
The storm’s slow movement is exacerbating the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides across the Caribbean. In Haiti, the Tiburon Peninsula has already reported up to 35 inches of rain, leading to at least three deaths and widespread displacement. The Dominican Republic has also been affected, with heavy rains and winds causing significant disruptions and damage.
While the NHC projects Melissa to become a Category 4 hurricane, some models suggest it could intensify further, potentially reaching Category 5 strength. The storm’s exact path remains uncertain, but it is expected to continue moving westward through the Caribbean, possibly impacting Cuba, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas in the coming days.
Potential Impact in the US
While Tropical Storm Melissa is currently focused on the Caribbean, its slow movement and potential intensification could lead to indirect impacts along the US East Coast. AccuWeather notes that while the odds of direct rain and wind impacts from Melissa reaching the US East Coast are low, scenarios exist where the storm could approach South Florida and the Atlantic Coast, bringing indirect effects such as rough surf, coastal flooding, and beach erosion.
The storm’s interaction with a jet stream dip over the Southeast US could enhance rainfall and wind along the East Coast, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, by late next week.
