Hurricane Watch Issued for Haiti as Tropical Storm Melissa Threatens Caribbean

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane over the weekend as hostile upper-level winds subside, with forecasts predicting it could become a powerful Category 4 hurricane, potentially reaching Category 5 strength. The storm is moving slowly in the central Caribbean, threatening areas including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas with heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. A hurricane watch is in effect for Haiti, with tropical storm and hurricane watches also in place for Jamaica and surrounding regions. Despite track uncertainties, Melissa is unlikely to impact the continental U.S., though it poses significant risks to Caribbean islands, particularly Jamaica and Haiti, where torrential rain and hurricane-force winds are expected early next week. Meteorologists emphasize that steering currents will remain weak for several days, causing the storm to linger near Jamaica before turning northward toward Cuba and eventually accelerating into the Atlantic. Residents and authorities in affected areas are urged to monitor the storm closely due to its potential severity and slow movement.