Melissa Strengthens, To Become Major Hurricane This Weekend

Tropical Storm Melissa may not have reached hurricane strength yet, but it’s still already causing dangerous conditions in parts of the Greater Antilles. Localized rain totals over the next several days could reach 35 inches in southern Haiti, which is likely to trigger catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are also possible for portions of Jamaica and the southern Dominican Republic. The storm is now potentially aiming for landfall next week over Jamaica and Cuba potentially as a devastating major hurricane. Southern Jamaica could see 5 to 10 feet of storm surge in addition to heavy rain.