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Floods

Tropical Storm Melissa Brings Catastrophic Flooding Potential to the Northern Caribbean

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tropical Storm Melissa, a potent and slow-moving system, was expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Saturday, threatening massive rainfall and life-threatening flooding and landslides in the northern Caribbean. The storm's strong winds and heavy rainfall have already killed at least three people in Haiti and one person in the Dominican Republic, with a fourth person missing in the latter. Forecasters warned of catastrophic flooding potential if the anticipated 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain were to occur in southwest Haiti.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical Storm Melissa was expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Saturday, bringing catastrophic flooding potential to the northern Caribbean.
  • Up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain was forecasted for southwest Haiti, with up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) possible in Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
  • The storm has already caused significant damage, killing at least three people in Haiti and one person in the Dominican Republic, with a fourth person missing in the Dominican Republic.
  • The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti.
  • The storm is expected to move near or over Jamaica early next week, with the potential to become a major hurricane by Sunday and possibly reach Category 4 status by early Monday.
  • The storm is forecast to hit eastern Cuba early Wednesday, where up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) could fall in some areas.
  • Authorities in Jamaica activated more than 650 shelters and warned that all airports would close within 24 hours if a hurricane warning is issued.
  • The storm has damaged nearly 200 homes in the Dominican Republic and knocked out water supply systems, affecting more than half a million customers.

Statistics:

  • Up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain is anticipated in southwest Haiti.
  • Up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain is forecasted for Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
  • 65 mph (100 kph) was the maximum sustained wind speed of Tropical Storm Melissa as of the report.
  • The storm was moving northwest at 3 mph (6 kph) as of the report.
  • The storm has already caused three confirmed deaths in Haiti and one confirmed death in the Dominican Republic, with a fourth person missing in the latter.

Sources:

  • AP News wire
  • U.S. National Hurricane Center
  • U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • The Associated Press
  • The Bahamas Department of Meteorology

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