The National Hurricane Center warns that the system could rapidly intensify and reach hurricane strength within the next 48 hours.
SANTO DOMINGO. Tropical Storm Melissa continues to move slowly across the Caribbean Sea and could become a hurricane in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). In its latest bulletin, the agency reported that the system is located southeast of Jamaica and southwest of Haiti, with sustained winds of approximately 75 km/h and moving northwest at a speed of 4 km/h.
The NHC warns that, due to its slow movement, Melissa has favorable conditions for intensification. It is expected to reach hurricane strength within the next 48 hours, with the possibility of becoming a major hurricane by the weekend. Haiti and Jamaica remain under weather alerts, and the system is expected to continue impacting the region with heavy rainfall and dangerous surf.
Local bodies
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET) reported that Melissa is located approximately 485 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and maintains sustained winds of 85 km/h. The storm is moving west-northwest and could reorganize its cloud structure, which would increase its intensity.
INDOMET also said that cloud fields associated with the storm could generate heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, especially along the Caribbean coast and in the southwest of the country. In addition, abnormal swells are expected along the coasts, so caution is advised in coastal and mountainous areas.
Due to the system's slow movement, the rains could continue for several days, increasing the risk of urban and rural flooding, river overflows, and landslides in vulnerable areas. Meteorological authorities are constantly monitoring the system's behavior.
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) maintains a red alert for the National District and the provinces of Santo Domingo, Barahona, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, Azua, Peravia, and Pedernales. These areas are being monitored for potential storm-related effects, such as heavy rainfall and flooding.
