Tropical Storm Melissa Poses Catastrophic Risks for Jamaica and Haiti

Tue Nov 11 2025 00:18:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Tropical Storm Melissa lingers in the Caribbean, it threatens to unleash devastating rainfall and strong winds, particularly impacting Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Authorities warn of possible flooding and landslides, raising alarms among local populations.

Tropical Storm Melissa, currently in the Caribbean, is anticipated to strengthen into a hurricane and deliver torrential rains of up to 35 inches in southwest Haiti, leading to catastrophic flooding and landslides. Jamaica is simultaneously bracing for severe weather conditions as the storm progresses. With at least four fatalities reported, the situation is dire as communities prepare for significant impacts from this slow-moving disaster.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Melissa remains nearly stationary in the central Caribbean, raising concerns among forecasters as it threatens to intensify and potentially hit Jamaica as a powerful hurricane. Experts warn that the storm could dump up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain on southwest Haiti, posing severe risks of catastrophic flooding and landslides.

The erratic storm is predicted to bring heavy rains to Jamaica, southern Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Recent reports indicate that at least three people have died in Haiti, alongside one fatality and one missing person in the Dominican Republic.

“These heavy rains are just going to sit over one area for several days,” stated Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Positioned approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 225 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the storm currently has sustained wind speeds of 65 mph.

A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch remain in effect for Jamaica and Haiti’s southwest peninsula. The looming threat presents catastrophic implications, with forecasts predicting up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain across affected areas by Tuesday. The prospect of up to 35 inches of rainfall in Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula is particularly alarming.

The storm is expected to maintain its course toward eastern Cuba by early Wednesday, with significant rainfall expected. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, primarily in southwestern Haiti.

In response to the situation, the U.N. has prepared over 100 emergency shelters. Individuals like Wilgar Joseph are evacuating their homes in Les Cayes due to safety concerns.

With threats of flooding at the forefront, residents are stocking up on supplies, reinforcing structures, and following safety protocols. Schools and government offices in Jamaica are closing, while shelters are being prepared in anticipation of the incoming storm conditions. The Hurricane Center’s projections have raised significant alarm over the potential for a humanitarian disaster, especially if the storm continues to stall.

Meanwhile, Dominican Republic officials are reporting nearly 200 homes damaged due to the storm, with mandatory evacuations in place for communities most at risk. As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, this slow-moving storm represents a significant and ongoing threat to the Caribbean region.