Tropical Storm Melissa Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in the Caribbean

Sat Oct 25 2025 22:59:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tropical Storm Melissa is poised to strengthen as it slowly moves toward Jamaica and Haiti, potentially bringing unprecedented rainfall and severe flooding to the region.

Tropical Storm Melissa remains nearly stationary in the Caribbean, posing a significant threat to Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic with forecasts of up to 35 inches of rain. At least four fatalities have been reported, and the National Hurricane Center warns of catastrophic flooding and landslides. Both Jamaica and Haiti are under various storm warnings as preparations are made for the storm's expected intensification into a hurricane.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Melissa was nearly stationary in the central Caribbean on Friday as forecasters warned it could strengthen and swipe Jamaica as a powerful hurricane, unleashing devastating rainfall — potentially up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) — on southwest Haiti, raising concerns over catastrophic flooding and landslides.

The erratic storm is forecasted to drop heavy rain across Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At least three people have died in Haiti, while one person was reported dead and another missing in the Dominican Republic.

“These heavy rains will linger over one area for several days,” warned Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Currently situated about 215 miles (345 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 225 miles (360 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the storm has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and is moving north at a sluggish pace of 2 mph (4 kph).

A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are currently in effect for Jamaica and Haiti's southwest peninsula.

Up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain is predicted for parts of Jamaica, southern Haiti, and the southern Dominican Republic by Tuesday. The situation is particularly dire for Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula, which may receive up to 35 inches of rain.

After passing the Caribbean, the storm is expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba as a major hurricane, with projections of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rainfall in parts.

Warnings for Haiti

The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings about potential “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides” across southwestern Haiti into early next week.

Haiti's Civil Protection Agency confirmed a landslide in Port-au-Prince resulting in two fatalities, bringing the total death toll to three. As thousands in Port-au-Prince, who have recently been displaced by gang violence, prepare for the storm, many are left without secure housing.

“I’m dealing with two storms: the gangs and the weather,” shared Nephtali Johnson Pierre, highlighting the precarious situation faced by many in the area.

Preparations in Jamaica

As Melissa aims toward Jamaica this weekend, forecasters predict it will strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday, potentially reaching Category 4 status by Monday. The slow-moving nature of the storm raises fears that Jamaica might experience hurricane conditions for an extended period exceeding 72 hours, prompting officials to prepare for life-threatening flooding.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the risk posed by the slow-moving storm, advising citizens to prepare while also announcing the activation of more than 650 emergency shelters across the country.

Amidst these warnings, residents are urged to stockpile supplies and prepare for possible evacuations as schools and offices close in anticipation of the storm's impact.

In the Dominican Republic, where nearly 200 homes have been damaged and significant flooding has occurred, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the safety of residents in the affected areas.

As Melissa becomes the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, its potential humanitarian impacts are closely monitored by local, national, and international agencies.