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Landslides

Tropical Storm Melissa Brings Heavy Rain and Hurricane-Strength Winds to the Caribbean

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Tropical Storm Melissa slowly makes its way through the Caribbean, officials across the region are preparing for days of heavy rain and hurricane-strength winds. The storm has already claimed three lives in a landslide near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and is expected to bring up to 20 inches of rain to Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Forecasters warn of flash floods and destructive winds, with Gloria Ceballos, director of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology, stating that the storm is strengthening. Jamaica is under a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch, with officials advising residents to prepare for an evacuation by stocking up on essential supplies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical Storm Melissa has already caused at least three deaths in a landslide near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and is expected to bring heavy rain and hurricane-strength winds to the Caribbean.
  • Forecasters with the U.S. National Hurricane Center predict up to 20 inches of rain in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with Gloria Ceballos, director of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology, stating that the storm is strengthening.
  • Jamaican authorities have issued a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch, reminding residents to prepare for an evacuation by stocking up on essential supplies.
  • Sainte-Suzanne, a community in the northwest of Haiti, was severely affected by the flooding of the Saint Martin River, with a bridge and several homes destroyed.
  • The Dominican Republic has closed most government offices and issued a warning for heavy rains and flash floods, with nearly half of the nation's provinces on high alert.
  • Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday and a Category 3 or higher by Sunday, according to forecasters.

Statistics:

  • Up to 20 inches of rain expected in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic (Source: U.S. National Hurricane Center).
  • 3 reported deaths in a landslide near Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Source: Haitian civil protection agency).
  • 50% of the Dominican Republic's provinces on high alert due to the storm (Source: Dominican Republic authorities).
  • Tropical Storm Melissa expected to become a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday and a Category 3 or higher by Sunday (Source: Forecasters).

Sources:

  • "Heavy Rain and Flash Floods Expected as Tropical Storm Melissa Brings Hurricane-Strength Winds to Caribbean" (The New York Times)
  • "Tropical Storm Melissa: Storm Surge Watch in Effect for Jamaica, Haiti and Dominican Republic" (U.S. National Hurricane Center)

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