Tropical Storm Melissa Forms, Expected to Strengthen into Hurricane
Tropical Storm Melissa, the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane, threatening several Caribbean nations.
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Overview
- Tropical Storm Melissa has officially formed in the Caribbean Sea, marking the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which typically sees around 14 storms.
- The storm is currently moving west at approximately 14 mph and is expected to decrease in speed before potentially strengthening into a hurricane by the upcoming weekend.
- A hurricane watch has been issued for Haiti's southern coast and Tiburon peninsula, while Jamaica is under a tropical storm watch as Melissa approaches.
- Melissa is forecasted to bring significant heavy rain and strong winds to several Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.
- While hurricane activity in the US typically decreases in late October and November, the Atlantic and Gulf regions still face a threat from developing storms like Melissa.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Tropical Storm Melissa neutrally, focusing on factual reporting and official advisories. They present objective details about the storm's formation, projected path, and potential impacts, while also providing broader context on the hurricane season. The reporting avoids loaded language and emotional appeals, prioritizing clear, attributed information from meteorological experts.
"Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the Caribbean, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Tuesday morning."
CBS News"Tropical Storm Melissa formed in the central Caribbean on Oct. 21, forecasters say, as it churns on a path that will likely keep it away from the mainland United States."
USA TODAYArticles (3)
FAQ
Current forecast models show Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to approach southwestern Haiti and Jamaica later this week, posing the greatest threat to these areas, as well as Cuba and Hispaniola[1][2]. There is uncertainty in the storm's exact track, with some models suggesting a possible turn north-northeast away from Florida, while others indicate a western track that could affect Central America; however, the latter scenario is considered less likely at this time[2][3]. Residents in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba should closely monitor the system due to potential heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and rough surf.
Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to bring heavy rainfall (potentially 5–10 inches), strong winds, rough surf, and a risk of flash flooding to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cuba, especially in the coming days[1][2]. Puerto Rico may experience heavy rain and gusty winds from the storm's outer bands, but the worst impacts are expected to remain south of the island[1]. The combination of above-average water temperatures and uncertain storm movement could exacerbate flooding and wind damage in the hardest-hit areas[1].
Tropical Storm Melissa is not expected to have major impacts on the mainland United States, as most forecast models show it turning away from Florida and affecting the Caribbean instead[1][2]. While uncertainty remains regarding the storm's eventual path, the current consensus is that the U.S. mainland is not at significant risk from Melissa.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs through November 30[1]. Tropical Storm Melissa, as the 13th named storm of the 2025 season, is occurring during the season's latter half, though hurricane activity in the U.S. typically decreases in late October and November. However, the Caribbean and Gulf regions can still experience significant storm activity during this period, as seen with Melissa.
Tropical Storm Melissa currently has maximum sustained winds of about 45–50 mph, with the potential to strengthen into a hurricane by the upcoming weekend if environmental conditions remain favorable[2][3]. Above-average sea surface temperatures in the Caribbean are contributing to the storm's potential for further intensification[1].
History
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