Tropical Storm Melissa was churning in the Caribbean early Wednesday, according to forecasters warning Hispaniola to expect heavy rains and flooding over the next few days.
Melissa was about 305 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its 5 a.m. EDT update. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving west-northwest at 7 mph.
A hurricane watch was in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Jamaica. Those elsewhere in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba should monitor the progress of Melissa, the NHC said.
A decrease in speed and a gradual turn to the northwest and north are expected in the next few days, according to the NHC, which said it expects Melissa to approach Jamaica and the southwestern portion of Haiti later this week.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic can expect five to ten inches of rain through Friday, the NHC said. More heavy rainfall is possible after Friday, but forecasters aren’t confident in predictions because of the uncertainty of Melissa’s speed and direction. Areas of significant flash flooding and mudslides are possible.
Across Aruba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica rainfall of one to three inches is expected through Friday. Flash and urban flooding will be possible across Puerto Rico through at least Friday.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the season, and it’s the first in the Caribbean. This season has seen few storms, which has warmed the Caribbean Sea. Now, the warm water is fuel for stronger, more dangerous storms. (UPI)
