Melissa's Slow March: A Caribbean Storm to Watch
In the heart of the Caribbean, a storm named Melissa is making its presence known. This is the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and it's not in a hurry to leave. Experts say it could grow into a major hurricane, but they're not sure just how strong it will get or where it will go next.
Slow Movement Causes Concern
Melissa is moving at a snail's pace, which is causing some concern. It's expected to linger near Haiti, Jamaica, and eastern Cuba for days. This slow movement could lead to a lot of rain, which means flash floods and landslides are possible. That's not good news for people living in those areas.
Current Status and Forecast
- Location: As of Thursday morning, Melissa was about 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.
- Movement: Moving northwest at just 5 mph.
- Winds: Around 50 mph.
- Forecast: Could become a major hurricane by the end of the weekend or early next week, with winds reaching 111 mph or more.
Warnings and Alerts
- Hurricane Watch: In effect for parts of Haiti and Jamaica.
- Tropical Storm Warning: In effect for Jamaica.
Rainfall Expectations
- Southern Haiti, Southern Dominican Republic, and Eastern Jamaica: Could see 5 to 10 inches of rain through Sunday.
- Northern Dominican Republic, Northern Haiti, and Western Jamaica: Could see 2 to 4 inches of rain through Saturday.
- Aruba and Puerto Rico: Could get 1 to 3 inches of rain through Sunday.
Stay Informed and Prepared
This storm is a reminder that hurricane season is in full swing. It's important for people in the Caribbean to stay informed and be prepared. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.
