Tropical Storm Melissa Threatens Caribbean with Heavy Rain and Flooding
Tropical Storm Melissa poses significant risks to Caribbean islands, with potential hurricane strength and life-threatening flooding expected in the coming days.
Tropical Storm Melissa threatens Haiti, may turn hurricane
World News Group
Overview
- Tropical Storm Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is currently 305 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
- The storm has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving west at 2 mph, bringing heavy rain to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
- Forecasts indicate Melissa may strengthen into a hurricane by Friday, with Jamaica and other islands on alert for potential impacts.
- Jamaica's eastern region could see up to 12 inches of rain, prompting officials to urge residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground.
- Heavy rainfall is expected across southern Haiti, the southern Dominican Republic, and eastern Jamaica, with risks of flash flooding and landslides.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of Tropical Storm Melissa's status, projected path, and potential impacts. They rely heavily on official meteorological sources and local authorities, presenting information without loaded language or overt editorial bias. The coverage emphasizes public safety and preparedness in affected Caribbean nations, providing essential details for residents.
"The slow-moving storm was centered about 300 miles (485 kilometers) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and some 240 miles (390 kilometers) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica."
Associated Press"The storm is forecast to bring 5 to 10 inches of rain to the southern Dominican Republic, southern Haiti and eastern Jamaica through Saturday."
ABC News"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."
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FAQ
Tropical Storm Melissa is moving slowly westward at about 2 mph in the central Caribbean, expected to crawl across the region over several days, affecting areas such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
Melissa currently has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph but is forecast to strengthen and potentially become a hurricane by Friday, with a Hurricane Watch already issued for parts of Haiti.
Heavy rainfall is expected, with some areas such as eastern Jamaica and parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic possibly receiving over 12 inches of rain, raising significant risks of flash flooding and landslides.
Yes, a Hurricane Watch is in effect for southwest Haiti from Port-au-Prince to the border with the Dominican Republic, and a Tropical Storm Watch is posted for Jamaica, with potential upgrades expected.
Currently, Melissa is not a threat to the U.S., though it may graze areas such as the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos on its way out next week.
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