What's Happening?
U.S. forecasters have issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica as Melissa reaches hurricane strength, threatening catastrophic flooding in the northern Caribbean. The storm is expected to drop torrential
rain of up to 25 inches on Jamaica, with similar forecasts for southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Life-threatening flooding and landslides are possible, with up to 35 inches of rain expected across Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula. The storm has already caused fatalities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with additional injuries reported. Melissa is expected to become a major hurricane by Sunday and possibly reach Category 4 status by early Monday.
Why It's Important?
Melissa's intensification into a major hurricane poses a severe threat to the Caribbean region, with the potential for catastrophic flooding and landslides. The storm's impact could lead to significant infrastructure damage, disrupt daily life, and necessitate extensive emergency response efforts. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness and the potential for long-term recovery challenges in affected areas. The storm's slow movement and erratic behavior add to the complexity of forecasting and emergency planning.
