Oct. 21 (UPI) — Tropical Storm Melissa is moving slowly through the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday, with major flooding expected in parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Melissa had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving west-northwest at 2 mph while about 320 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 300 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 p.m. EDT update.
A hurricane watch is in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince, and a tropical storm watch is in effect for Jamaica.
Those in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba should monitor the tropical storm’s progress, the NHC said.
A decrease in speed and a gradual turn to the northwest and north are expected in the next few days, according to the NHC, which expects Melissa to approach Jamaica and the southwestern portion of Haiti later this week.
The NHC forecasts that Melissa will strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday morning.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic can expect 5 to 10 inches of rain through Friday, the NHC said.
More heavy rainfall is possible after Friday, but forecasters aren’t confident in predictions because of the uncertainty of Melissa’s speed and direction.
Areas of significant flash flooding and mudslides are possible.
Across Aruba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected through Friday.
Flash and urban flooding will be possible across Puerto Rico through at least Friday.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the season, and it’s the first in the Caribbean.
This season has seen few storms, which has warmed the Caribbean Sea, and the warm water is potential fuel for stronger and more dangerous storms.
