Posted: Friday, October 24, 2025. 9:30 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Tropical Storm Melissa may be regaining strength as new aircraft data suggest the system is reforming to the east, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The storm poses a severe threat to parts of southern Hispaniola and Jamaica, where life-threatening flash flooding and catastrophic landslides are expected through the weekend.
As of 11:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 250 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Melissa is currently moving slowly east-southeast at about 2 mph (4 km/h).
Forecasters expect the system to turn northeast and then north later today, before veering westward over the weekend and into early next week. On its projected path, the storm’s center is expected to pass near or just south of Jamaica early next week.
Maximum sustained winds are estimated at 45 mph (75 km/h), with higher gusts.
The NHC anticipates gradual strengthening today, followed by rapid intensification over the weekend. Melissa could become a hurricane by Saturday and potentially reach major hurricane status by Sunday.
A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning remain in effect for Jamaica and Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince.
Forecasters warn of extreme rainfall totals — between 10 and 20 inches across southwestern Haiti and eastern Jamaica through Monday, with isolated areas receiving even higher amounts.
Southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic are expected to see 6 to 12 inches of rain.
Weather experts caution that the heavy rainfall will likely result in significant, life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides across southern Hispaniola and eastern Jamaica. In southern Haiti, catastrophic flooding and landslides are anticipated as the storm intensifies.
Residents in affected areas are urged to monitor official updates, heed evacuation orders, and take all necessary precautions as Melissa strengthens in the Caribbean.
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Posted: Friday, October 24, 2025. 9:30 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Tropical Storm Melissa may be regaining strength as new aircraft data suggest the system is
The post Tropical Storm Melissa brings catastrophic flooding to Jamaica and Hispaniola appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
