Tropical Storm Melissa Brings Catastrophic Flooding Potential to Caribbean

Strategic Insights -

Tropical Storm Melissa has brought chaos to the Caribbean, with forecasters warning of massive rainfall and life-threatening flooding and landslides in the northern islands. The storm, expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Saturday, is anticipated to bring 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain to southwest Haiti, with up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) forecast for Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The erratic and slow-moving storm has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with a fourth person missing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Saturday, with catastrophic flooding potential if 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain occur in southwest Haiti.
  • The storm has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with a fourth person missing.
  • Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti are under a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning.
  • The storm is expected to move near or over Jamaica early next week, with up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain forecast for the island.
  • Eastern Cuba is expected to be hit by the storm early Wednesday, with up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain possible.
  • The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has warned of tropical storm or hurricane conditions on islands in the Southeast and Central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands by early next week.
  • Jamaican authorities have activated over 650 shelters, with warehouses well-stocked and thousands of food packages prepositioned for quick distribution if needed.
  • The storm has damaged nearly 200 homes in the Dominican Republic, knocked out water supply systems, and left over two dozen communities isolated by floodwaters.

Statistics:

  • 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain anticipated in southwest Haiti
  • Up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain forecast for Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic
  • Up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain possible in eastern Cuba
  • 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season
  • 13-18 named storms predicted by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the above-normal season
  • Over 650 shelters activated in Jamaica
  • Nearly 200 homes damaged in the Dominican Republic
  • More than half a million customers affected by the knocked-out water supply systems in the Dominican Republic

Sources:

  • "Tropical Storm Melissa: Jamaica, Haiti Bracing for Massive Rainfall and Flooding" (New Delhi Times)
  • "US National Hurricane Center"
  • "Jamaica Government Press Release"
  • "Bahamas Department of Meteorology"
  • "U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"