Tropical Storm Melissa Poised to Become a Hurricane, Haiti on High Alert

Caribbean braces for torrential rains, flooding, and potential devastation

Tropical Storm Melissa is churning through the Caribbean with growing intensity and could escalate into a hurricane by Thursday, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned in its latest advisory.

The storm, which is currently sweeping across the region, poses a serious threat to the island nation of Haiti, already vulnerable to flooding and landslides. A hurricane watch has been issued for the country’s southwest coast as meteorologists track Melissa’s strengthening winds and unpredictable path.

“Melissa is expected to produce heavy rainfall across parts of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica through this weekend,” the NHC said, warning that the storm could unleash significant flash floods and landslides in mountainous and low-lying areas.

By mid-morning Wednesday, Melissa was located approximately 305 miles (490 kilometers) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, moving northward at a steady seven miles (11 kilometers) per hour.

In the Dominican Republic, torrential rains have already disrupted traffic and forced the cancellation of several sporting events, raising concerns that the situation could worsen as the storm intensifies.

While forecasts suggest Melissa may soon achieve hurricane status, the NHC emphasized that “there remains large uncertainty” about its ultimate path and strength — a troubling prospect for Caribbean nations still recovering from past storms.

Authorities across the region are urging residents to prepare emergency kits, secure homes, and remain vigilant as the Caribbean braces for what could be the first major hurricane of the season.