Tropical Storm Melissa Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in the Caribbean

Sat Oct 25 2025 18:44:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Tropical Storm Melissa hovers in the Caribbean, residents of Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic brace for potential devastation from heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides.

Tropical Storm Melissa remains nearly stationary in the Caribbean, with forecasts predicting it could intensify into a hurricane. Heavy rains could lead to catastrophic flooding, especially in southern Haiti, Jamaica, and parts of the Dominican Republic, which have already experienced fatalities. Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions and evacuations may be necessary.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Melissa is nearly stationary over the central Caribbean as meteorologists warn of its potential to strengthen into a hurricane and bring severe weather conditions to Jamaica, as well as catastrophic rainfall in Haiti.

The storm is predicted to unleash torrential downpours ranging from 25 to 35 inches in parts of Haiti, leading to severe flooding and landslides. At least three individuals have died in Haiti, alongside fatalities reported in the Dominican Republic.

Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, indicated that heavy rains are expected to linger in specific areas for an extended period, worsening the situation.

As of now, the storm is located approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with sustained winds of 65 mph and sluggish movement toward the north.

A hurricane watch and tropical storm warnings are currently active for Jamaica and specific regions in Haiti.

Warnings for Haiti

The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings indicating that heavy rainfall will lead to catastrophic flash flooding and landslides across southwestern Haiti through next week. The already saturated ground due to prior heavy rainfall is exacerbating the risk.

Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency confirmed that a landslide in Port-au-Prince claimed two lives and caused injuries, with a total confirmed death toll rising to three.

In light of the impending disaster, the U.N. has arranged over 100 emergency shelters within Haiti’s southern region to accommodate those impacted.

Impact on Jamaica and Dominican Republic

In Jamaica, Meteorologists predict life-threatening flooding and landslides, with millions at risk as the slow-moving storm would maintain hurricane conditions over several days. Schools and government offices have closed, with over 650 emergency shelters being activated.

Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, significant infrastructure has been affected, with nearly 200 homes damaged, the knockdown of trees, and disrupted access to safe water for half a million residents. Mandatory evacuations have been issued in susceptible areas.

The storm, the 13th named this Atlantic hurricane season, raises concerns as forecasts indicate a continuation of above-normal activity throughout the season.

Residents are advised to prepare for the worst, with many already taking precautions, such as securing properties and stocking essential supplies.