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Floods

Tropical Storm Melissa Brings Catastrophic Flooding Risks to Northern Caribbean

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tropical Storm Melissa has intensified significantly, with forecasters warning of torrential rain and catastrophic flooding across the northern Caribbean. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane soon, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and rapid intensification over the weekend. The slow-moving storm has already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a fifth person missing. The National Hurricane Center warns of the risks of deadly flooding and landslides, particularly in southwestern Haiti, where rainfall totals could reach up to 35 inches.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to strengthen into a hurricane soon, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph.
  • The storm is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and landslides to the northern Caribbean, particularly in southwestern Haiti and Jamaica.
  • Rainfall totals could reach up to 35 inches in southwestern Haiti, and 25 inches in Jamaica and southern parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
  • The National Hurricane Center warns of the risks of deadly flooding and landslides.
  • The storm has already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a fifth person missing.
  • Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director of the US National Hurricane Center, describes the situation as posing "catastrophic flooding" risks.
  • The storm was expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Sunday, with rapid intensification expected over the weekend.

Statistics:

  • Maximum sustained winds: 110 kph (70 mph)
  • Rainfall totals in southwestern Haiti: up to 35 inches (89 centimetres)
  • Rainfall totals in Jamaica and southern parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic: up to 25 inches (64 centimetres)
  • Number of lives claimed in Haiti and the Dominican Republic: four
  • Number of lives claimed in Jamaica: none
  • Number of people missing: two
  • Time of publication: October 25 (BNA)

Sources:

  • Associated Press (AP)
  • US National Hurricane Center (NHC)
  • Bahrain News Agency (BNA)

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