Storm Forms Rapidly, Caribbean Braces for Impact
Tropical Storm Melissa has officially formed in the Caribbean Sea, marking the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center reported that as of Tuesday afternoon, Melissa packed
sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving west at 14 mph over exceptionally warm waters—a recipe for further intensification in the coming days.
Forecasters warn that Melissa could strengthen into a hurricane by the end of the week, though its exact path remains uncertain. The official track currently keeps the storm within the Caribbean through the weekend, but meteorologists caution that shifting wind patterns could alter its trajectory.
Watches and Warnings: Haiti and Jamaica on Alert
Authorities have issued a
Hurricane Watch for Haiti’s southern peninsula, stretching from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince. Jamaica is also under a
Tropical Storm Watch, as officials urge residents to prepare for possible severe weather.
Melissa is expected to unleash
flooding rains, strong winds, and dangerous surf across the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba. Rainfall totals could reach
5 to 10 inches by Friday, with even more expected over the weekend, raising concerns about landslides and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
What’s Fueling Melissa’s Strength?
Meteorologists point to the
very warm Caribbean waters as a key factor in Melissa’s rapid development. Warm ocean temperatures provide the energy hurricanes need to intensify. However, as Melissa moves north, it may encounter
wind shear—high-altitude winds that can disrupt and weaken tropical systems. This introduces uncertainty about whether Melissa will reach hurricane strength or weaken before making landfall.
NOAA Hurricane Hunters are scheduled to fly into Melissa to gather critical data on the storm’s intensity and structure, which will help refine forecasts in the coming days.
Potential U.S. Impact: Florida Watches and Waits
While current models keep Melissa in the Caribbean, some “spaghetti models” show possible paths that could threaten parts of Florida, including Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Residents are advised to monitor updates closely, as hurricane tracks can shift unexpectedly.
Actionable Takeaways
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Residents in Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic should prepare for flooding and possible hurricane conditions.
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Stay tuned to official advisories from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.
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Travelers and those with interests in the Caribbean should monitor the storm’s progress and adjust plans as needed.
With hurricane season running through November 30, Melissa’s development is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability and the importance of preparedness.
Sources
1. Tropical Storm Melissa forms in the Caribbean - 6abc Philadelphia
2. Google
3. Tropical Storm Melissa
4. Tropical Storm Melissa forms. See spaghetti models. Are Fort Myers, Cape Coral in path?
5. Bryan Norcross: Tropical Storm Melissa likely to form today in central ...
6. Tropical Storm Melissa To Bring Flooding Rain To Hispaniola ...
7. Tropical Storm Melissa Public Advisory - National Hurricane Center
