Technology and Science24 October, 20253 min read
Tropical Storm Melissa Kills One in Haiti, Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in Jamaica and Caribbean
Tropical Storm Melissa is nearly stationary in the central Caribbean, threatening Jamaica and Hispaniola. Melissa has caused at least one death in Haiti due to flooding and falling debris.
14 outlets told this the same way.
Tropical Storm Melissa Threats
Tropical Storm Melissa is menacing the central Caribbean with life‑threatening flooding and landslides. Watches and warnings blanket Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Multiple outlets report the storm’s slow motion and growing danger.
“Tropical Storm Melissa was nearly stationary in the central Caribbean as of Friday, threatening to strengthen into a powerful hurricane and bring devastating rainfall to Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.”
Some describe Melissa as nearly stationary, while others note a sluggish drift. Casualty reports are conflicting, with one local outlet reporting one death in Haiti. Several mainstream and regional sources report at least three deaths.
Authorities warn of catastrophic impacts in southern Hispaniola and eastern Jamaica. The system threatens to intensify into a powerful hurricane and pass near Jamaica early next week.
Hurricane Melissa Forecasts
Forecasts consistently warn of rapid strengthening but differ on timing and peak intensity. Newsweek and Tampa Free Press highlight the potential for Melissa to become a Category 4 or even Category 5 hurricane. Yale Climate Connections notes the National Hurricane Center’s prediction of Category 4 strength by Tuesday morning.
The Associated Press projects a major hurricane impacting eastern Cuba by Wednesday. NBC News adds that while the Caribbean braces, U.S. flood watches are already in effect far from the storm’s center, underscoring the breadth of related hazards.
Jamaica Hurricane Preparations
Jamaica is ramping up preparations for an approaching storm. Caribbean National Weekly details 881 shelters, remote learning for schools, court closures, and hospitals on emergency power. WCTV and Evrim Ağacı report extensive closures and emergency readiness, including warnings of possible airport interruptions.
“In Jamaica, 881 shelters are ready, schools have shifted to remote learning, courts are closed, and health centers will shut temporarily, with hospitals on emergency power.”
Yale Climate Connections notes that most Jamaican homes are wind-resistant and that storm surge is a limited threat except at vulnerable low-lying sites like Norman Manley International Airport. Local media such as Tampa Free Press emphasize that residents should prepare for power outages, structural damage, and the risk of storm surge. The storm’s slow movement prolongs dangerous winds and flooding rains.
Hurricane Impact on Hispaniola
Haiti and the Dominican Republic are already suffering from severe weather conditions. Associated Press reports at least three deaths in Haiti, with over 100 shelters opened in southern Haiti as forecasters warn of up to 35 inches of rain in the Tiburon Peninsula. NBC News details Haitian fatalities caused by a landslide and a falling tree, and notes water disruptions affecting over 500,000 people in the Dominican Republic.
Caribbean National Weekly states that the U.N. allocated $4 million to aid vulnerable Haitians with evacuations and shelters. WCTV and Evrim Ağacı describe emergency shelter preparations along with widespread outages, injuries, and evacuations.
Rainfall projections for Hispaniola commonly range from 8 to 14 inches and include life-threatening flash floods. However, the Associated Press’s much higher maximum rainfall estimate highlights the extreme risk for southwest Haiti.
Hurricane Melissa's Projected Path
The track and broader reach of Hurricane Melissa remain uncertain but potentially far-reaching. West Plains Daily Quill and NBC News suggest Melissa could pass near Jamaica. NBC expects a westward drift by Saturday that brings impacts early next week.
“After impacting eastern Cuba, Melissa is likely to move quickly through the southeastern Bahamas, potentially still as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing 5-10 inches of rain.”
Associated Press and Yale Climate Connections project a major hurricane affecting eastern Cuba before moving into the southeastern Bahamas. Yale notes a longer-range potential interaction with an extratropical system that could steer the storm toward Maine or Atlantic Canada.
Newsweek stresses that a path near or over Jamaica could make Melissa among the strongest Caribbean hurricanes on record. NBC uniquely points to concurrent U.S. flood watches unrelated to Melissa’s core, underscoring the region-wide hydrometeorological risks.