Tropical Storm Melissa Threatens Jamaica and Haiti with Catastrophic Rainfall

Mon Oct 27 2025 07:07:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tropical Storm Melissa, nearly stationary in the Caribbean, is predicted to intensify, threatening Jamaica and Haiti with excessive rainfall, potentially resulting in catastrophic flooding and landslides. Emergency measures are underway as the storm approaches.

Tropical Storm Melissa remains almost stationary over the central Caribbean, poised to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Jamaica, while Haiti braces for unprecedented rainfall. Authorities warn of life-threatening flooding, particularly in southwestern Haiti, with forecasts predicting up to 35 inches of rain. The storm has already caused casualties in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, prompting extensive emergency measures and public alerts as the slow-moving system poses a significant humanitarian risk.

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, while also dumping an astonishing amount of rain — up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) — on southwest Haiti, where catastrophic flooding and landslides are anticipated.

The unpredictable storm is expected to release excessive rain across Jamaica, southern Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Tragically, at least four lives have already been claimed due to the storm, with forecasts predicting that “these heavy rains will linger over the same areas for several days,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

As of recent reports, the storm was located approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 225 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and moving at a sluggish pace of northward at 2 mph. In light of these conditions, a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning remain in effect for Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti.

Expectations for rainfall are staggering, with parts of Jamaica facing up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) and parts of Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula potentially receiving up to 35 inches. The storm is expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba as a significant hurricane, where up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain may fall in certain areas.

Catastrophic Warnings for Haiti

The National Hurricane Center has emphatically stated that “heavy rainfall will result in catastrophic flash flooding and landslides across southwestern Haiti into early next week.” Reports indicate that a landslide in Port-au-Prince has already taken the lives of two individuals, raising the death toll to three. Additionally, previous incidents involving flooding have affected multiple individuals across the nation.

In preparation for the storm, the U.N. has arranged over 100 emergency shelters in southern Haiti. Many residents, like Wilgar Joseph, have opted to leave their homes in search of safer accommodations due to the risk posed by the storm. As fears of further danger loom, individuals living in temporary shelters across Port-au-Prince remain anxious about the consequences of the storm.

“The message on the radio is to protect ourselves,” stated Dina Georges. “How can I protect myself if I don’t have a home? I’m on the streets, with two kids to care for.”

A Slow-Moving Disaster

Melissa is anticipated to advance toward Jamaica over the weekend, with trajectory predictions indicating that it could intensify into a hurricane by Saturday and evolve into a major hurricane by Sunday, possibly achieving Category 4 status by Monday morning. Due to the storm’s slow transit, Jamaica may endure hurricane conditions for 72 hours or longer.

Local authorities have taken preemptive measures, including closing schools, health centers, and government offices ahead of the arrival of the storm. Over 650 shelters are activated, and Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned of the tangible threat posed by this cyclone.

As evacuation efforts unfold, Dominican Republic authorities are also on high alert to safeguard against the storm's impact, which has affected countless homes and public utilities across the region.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, amid predictions of an above-normal season characterized by significant storm activity. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has anticipated between 13 to 18 named storms for this period.