Jamaica and parts of the Caribbean are on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa intensifies, potentially becoming a major hurricane. Authorities warn of life-threatening flooding, landslides, and power outages, with Jamaica and southern Haiti expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s impact.
As of Friday morning, Melissa was located about 240 miles south-southeast of Kingston, with sustained winds of 45 mph. It’s projected to rapidly strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane by Sunday, bringing severe winds and heavy rain.
The storm has already caused flooding and at least three deaths in Haiti. In preparation, Jamaica’s public hospitals have activated emergency protocols, and the country is poised for strong winds and rain starting Friday night.
Cuba may be next in Melissa’s path, with potential impacts also in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Although the U.S. mainland faces a lower risk of direct impact, rough seas and rip currents could extend along the East Coast.
The storm’s slow movement raises concerns of prolonged heavy rainfall, which could lead to significant flooding, especially in mountainous regions. The unusually warm waters of the Caribbean enhance the storm’s potential strength, indicating Jamaica could face one of the most destructive hurricanes of the season.
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