{"id":21658,"date":"2025-10-25T17:13:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-25T21:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/10\/25\/catastrophic-caribbean-storm\/"},"modified":"2025-10-25T17:13:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T21:13:35","slug":"catastrophic-caribbean-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/10\/25\/catastrophic-caribbean-storm\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Catastrophic’ Caribbean storm"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Catastrophic Situation<\/h2>\n

Hurricane Melissa began rapidly intensifying after forming in the Caribbean Saturday and is likely to reach Category 4 strength or higher over the next few days in what forecasters are calling a potentially catastrophic situation. The storm, expected to cause life-threatening flooding and landslides, had already caused some deaths as it sits in the central Caribbean. At least three people have been killed in Haiti this past week, officials say, two in a landslide and one by a falling tree.<\/p>\n

Current Forecast and Potential Impact<\/h2>\n

Long-range models continue to take Melissa on a track east of Florida, but officials stress the lack of certainty over the forecast. Even though they recommend remaining vigilant, the National Weather Service in Miami on Friday said no threat to South Florida is anticipated. In the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center is warning of extreme and prolonged amounts of rainfall that will result in numerous life-threatening flash floods, landslides and storm surge. Jamaica will likely take the brunt of Melissa\u2019s assault, but Haiti and the Dominican Republic are also at high risk.<\/p>\n

Details of the Storm’s Progress<\/h3>\n

By late Saturday afternoon, Melissa had reached maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, barely drifting west-north-west about 130 miles southeast of Jamaica. The National Hurricane Service advised residents of Jamaica to prepare for the worst as the storm is expected to jump to major hurricane status by Sunday morning while its center moves near or over the island during the weekend and early next week, before moving near or over eastern Cuba by the middle of next week.<\/p>\n

Preparations and Warnings<\/h3>\n

\u201cDue to Melissa\u2019s slow motion, the risk of a prolonged multi-day period of potentially damaging winds, heavy rainfall resulting in life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides, and storm surge continues to increase for Jamaica,\u201d hurricane center forecasters said. \u201cPreparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, since strong winds and flooding rains could begin in Jamaica \u2026 on Saturday.\u201d A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, while a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-Au-Prince. A hurricane watch is also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.<\/p>\n

Unusual Conditions and Expected Intensification<\/h2>\n

Conditions are extremely unusual in the Caribbean, with Melissa trapped between two blocking systems. With nowhere to go for now, the storm is stationary. But as the blocking currents shift, Melissa will begin to move slowly and conditions will quickly allow the storm to strengthen. \u201cThe exceptionally warm waters of the Caribbean will provide extra energy for Melissa to strengthen,\u201d said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. \u201cThis storm is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane once it enters an area with less disruptive wind shear south of Jamaica.\u201d<\/p>\n

Impact on Local Residents<\/h3>\n

Marcus Thompson, who lives in Kingston, said he covered his windows and stocked up on water and canned food. \u201cWe\u2019ve been through storms before, but it\u2019s better to be prepared early this time,\u201d he said. Others checked their roofs, cleaned gutters and charged electrical devices. \u201cI moved my car to higher ground and gathered all essential documents just in case,\u201d said Alton Williams, who lives in Mandeville. In eastern Kingston, Veronica James said she was following updates and keeping her children informed. \u201cIf officials decide evacuation is necessary, we have a small bag ready with medicine and important papers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Rainfall and Storm Surge Predictions<\/h2>\n

Up to 25 inches of rain is forecast for some southern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti as well as Jamaica through Tuesday, with the Tiburon Peninsula of Haiti possibly seeing as much as 35 inches. Southeast Cuba could see up to 12 inches in some areas. The storm has damaged nearly 200 homes in the Dominican Republic and knocked out water supply systems, affecting more than half a million customers. It also downed trees and traffic lights and unleashed a couple of small landslides.<\/p>\n

Humanitarian Concerns<\/h2>\n

The U.N. said it has prepared more than 100 emergency shelters in Haiti\u2019s southern region. Wilgar Joseph said he and his family were leaving their home in Les Cayes out of safety concerns because it has a zinc roof. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with a friend whose home is on higher ground so I can protect myself in case it gets out of control,\u201d he said. Meanwhile, thousands of people living in makeshift shelters across Port-au-Prince after gangs forced them to flee their homes worried about the storm. \u201cThe message on the radio is to protect ourselves,\u201d said Dina Georges. \u201cHow can I protect myself if I don\u2019t have a home? I\u2019m on the streets. And on top of that, I have two kids to protect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Forecast Models and Potential Paths<\/h2>\n

Melissa is expected to make a gradual turn to the north, then northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday. The storm\u2019s center will pass near or over Jamaica early in the week and could be near Cuba by the middle of week, the hurricane center said. Some models have the storm moving north and east, out into the Atlantic, while others suggest it could meander farther west, toward Central America, before veering north. The farther west the storm travels, the more likelihood it has of affecting Florida. The uncertainty about the forecast leaves the state open to some risk, said DaSilva. \u201cA dip in the jet stream over the Southeast U.S. and strong upper-level winds are expected next week, which should prevent movement toward the Gulf Coast states,\u201d DaSilva said. \u201cThe risk of direct impacts on the U.S. is low at this time, but it cannot be ruled out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

The situation with Hurricane Melissa is potentially catastrophic, with the storm expected to bring life-threatening flooding, landslides, and storm surge to the Caribbean. Residents are advised to prepare for the worst and follow updates from local authorities. The uncertainty of the forecast means that the risk to Florida and other parts of the U.S. cannot be ruled out, and everyone in the potential path of the storm should remain vigilant.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h3>\n