SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Tropical Storm Melissa remains almost stationary in the Caribbean, prompting forecasters to issue warnings of potential strengthening and catastrophic conditions affecting Jamaica and Haiti. Heavy rainfall is expected, with forecasts of up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) in southwest Haiti, which could lead to severe flooding and landslides. At least three fatalities have already been reported in Haiti, and fatalities in the Dominican Republic are also being monitored.
The storm was located 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and minimal northward movement. A hurricane watch is in effect for Jamaica, alongside a tropical storm warning for Haiti's southwestern peninsula.
Experts warn that persistent heavy rains could sit over the same areas for several days, increasing the likelihood of disastrous flash flooding and landslides across southwestern Haiti. The U.N. agency has prepared more than 100 emergency shelters due to the expected severity of conditions.
Local officials in both Haiti and Jamaica are advising residents to take refuge and prepare for the storm’s impact, which may include a dangerous surge in flooding and infrastructure failures. Evacuations are being organized in regions deemed at high risk.
As the storm activity progresses, the Caribbean could see a humanitarian crisis emerge, with Melissa anticipated to move toward eastern Cuba as a major hurricane by Wednesday. Local communities are urgently preparing for possible evacuation and the closure of essential services in anticipation of the storm’s impact, which is being described as a 'slow-motion disaster' given the extended duration over affected areas.
The storm was located 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and minimal northward movement. A hurricane watch is in effect for Jamaica, alongside a tropical storm warning for Haiti's southwestern peninsula.
Experts warn that persistent heavy rains could sit over the same areas for several days, increasing the likelihood of disastrous flash flooding and landslides across southwestern Haiti. The U.N. agency has prepared more than 100 emergency shelters due to the expected severity of conditions.
Local officials in both Haiti and Jamaica are advising residents to take refuge and prepare for the storm’s impact, which may include a dangerous surge in flooding and infrastructure failures. Evacuations are being organized in regions deemed at high risk.
As the storm activity progresses, the Caribbean could see a humanitarian crisis emerge, with Melissa anticipated to move toward eastern Cuba as a major hurricane by Wednesday. Local communities are urgently preparing for possible evacuation and the closure of essential services in anticipation of the storm’s impact, which is being described as a 'slow-motion disaster' given the extended duration over affected areas.
