A hurricane watch has been issued for southern Haiti, while Jamaica is under a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, currently located about 325 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. As of Wednesday afternoon, Melissa has sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving west-northwest at a slow 2 mph. The storm poses a threat of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba, and Jamaica, with forecasts suggesting 4 to 12 inches of rain.
Melissa is expected to remain in warm Caribbean waters, which have been about 1.3 degrees Celsius above average, enhancing the chances for intensification. Models suggest that while Melissa could initially remain weak, there is uncertainty around its future path—potentially moving towards Jamaica and Cuba.
Additionally, the storm is influenced by significant atmospheric conditions, including high wind shear and humidity levels. Historical examples highlight the risks posed by late-season hurricanes in the region, underscoring the potential for severe impacts from heavy rainfall and flooding.
In summary, Tropical Storm Melissa represents a developing threat in the Caribbean, with monitoring essential over the coming days.
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