What's Happening?
Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, posing a significant threat to the northern Caribbean with massive rainfall and life-threatening flooding. The storm has already caused
damage in the Dominican Republic, affecting nearly 200 homes and knocking out water supply systems for over half a million customers. Melissa is forecast to bring up to 35 inches of rain to southwest Haiti, with similar heavy rainfall expected in Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti, with the storm expected to become a major hurricane by Sunday.
Why It's Important?
Melissa's potential to become a major hurricane poses a severe threat to the Caribbean region, with the risk of 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 highlights 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.
