Melissa Intensifies: Catastrophic Flood Threat Looms for Haiti and Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is rapidly intensifying in the Caribbean, posing a significant threat to Haiti and Jamaica. Here’s what’s happening:

Current Situation:

• Melissa is currently located in the central Caribbean Sea, about 155 miles southeast of Jamaica, moving at a slow 1 mph.
• The storm has maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, with tropical-storm-force winds extending 140 miles from its center.
• Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency has reported two deaths due to landslides and flooding.

Forecast and Impacts:

• Melissa is expected to become a hurricane by Saturday and potentially a Category 4 or higher by Sunday night, with winds reaching 130 mph.
• The National Hurricane Center warns of:
• Catastrophic Flash Flooding:
• 35 inches of rain expected in southern Haiti through mid-next week
• 25 inches of additional rainfall possible in parts of Jamaica
• Landslides: possible in hilly and mountainous terrain
• Storm Surge: 5-10 feet possible in southern Jamaica, including Kingston harbor

Affected Areas:

• Jamaica: hurricane warning in effect; expected to experience long-duration impacts from heavy rain, wind, and storm surge
• Haiti: catastrophic flash flooding anticipated in southern Haiti; extensive damage to roads and buildings expected
• Dominican Republic: potential for heavy rain and flash flooding
• Puerto Rico: potential for locally heavy rain and flash flooding

Next Steps:

• Continue monitoring the storm’s progress and forecast updates from the National Hurricane Center.
• Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion in Jamaica and Haiti.

As Tropical Storm Melissa rapidly intensifies, Haiti and Jamaica are bracing for a potentially catastrophic impact. With heavy rains and landslides threatening thousands of lives, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Stay safe, and stay tuned for further updates.

Here are some weather updates for the USA:

Current Weather Conditions:

• Washington, D.C.: Partly cloudy with a high of 59°F and a low of 41°F. The current temperature is 55°F with 50% humidity.
• Other cities:
• New York: No current information available, but a storm system is expected to bring heavy rain to the Northeast.
• California: Recent heavy rain caused flooding, and a dog was rescued from floodwaters.

Forecast:

• A cross-country storm will cover 40 states, bringing severe weather to the central US and heavy rain to the Northeast.
• The Midwest will experience heavy rain, while the Ozarks and Mississippi Valley will face a severe weather threat.
• Northern Lights may be visible in the northern tier and Upper Midwest due to a geomagnetic storm.

Upcoming Weather Events:

• Tropical Storm Melissa is nearing hurricane strength and threatens catastrophic flooding and storm surges in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
• A potential nor’easter may impact the East Coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

Seasonal Outlook:

• Above-average temperatures are expected in most of the country for the next three months, with some areas experiencing below-average temperatures.
• The first measurable snow is expected in various parts of the country, with higher elevations seeing snow earlier than lower elevations