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Tropical Storm Melissa Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in Caribbean
25 Oct
Summary
- Tropical Storm Melissa expected to bring life-threatening flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds
- Storm's slow movement to prolong dangerous weather over multiple days
- Potential for Melissa to become one of the most destructive Caribbean storms in recent years
Tropical Storm Melissa is set to bring a dangerous and prolonged weather event to the Caribbean region. Forecasters are warning of the potential for "catastrophic" flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds as the slow-moving storm lingers over the area.
Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba are all expected to be hit hard by Melissa, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicting "extensive infrastructural damage" and possible "prolonged isolation of communities" in southwestern Haiti. The NHC has also issued warnings of a likely life-threatening storm surge early next week, urging residents to complete preparations immediately.
Across the Caribbean, Melissa threatens to become one of the most destructive weather events in recent years, striking areas still vulnerable from past storms. Meteorologists are gravely concerned for Jamaica, warning that the island could see the worst hurricane conditions since 1988's Hurricane Gilbert. The storm has the potential to strengthen into a major, high-end Category 4 or 5 hurricane as it tracks northward through the region.
