Tropical Storm Melissa – Pictured: Rain causes flooding – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Michael Julian Photograph
The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Tuesday morning that Melissa, which formed in the Caribbean, is the 13th named storm in the Atlantic this year.
No immediate effects are anticipated for South Florida at this time, according to the CBS Miami NEXT Weather team, but they will keep an eye on the situation and provide frequent updates all week long. No areas of the U.S. mainland are currently expected to be affected by the storm.
The forecast models have not yet solidified and are continuously varying. The NEXT Weather Team is currently seeing more of a circle than a predicted “cone” because to the low confidence in the forecast trajectory.
By Saturday morning, Melissa is predicted to turn into a hurricane.
Melissa, where are you?
Tropical Storm Melissa has reformed to the northeast and is currently traveling WNW at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as of Wednesday’s 5 a.m. advisory.
Over the next few days, Melissa is predicted to slow down and eventually shift northwest and north-northwest.
Later this week, Melissa is expected to move toward southern Haiti and Jamaica.
Alerts and cautions
Parts of Haiti are under hurricane watch. Jamaica is under a Tropical Storm Watch.
Starting late Thursday, hurricane conditions could develop within the Haitian watch region. Late Thursday or early Friday could see the onset of tropical storm conditions in Jamaica.
What effects are there?
The Caribbean Islands are predicted to experience flooding and severe rainfall as a result of Melissa. Through Saturday, Melissa is expected to produce at least 5 to 10 inches of rain to the southern Dominican Republic, southern Haiti, and eastern Jamaica, with higher amounts possibly falling locally. Higher rainfall totals will be feasible on an isolated basis. Landslides and severe flash flooding are probable.
Through Saturday, 2 to 4 inches of rain are predicted in the northern Dominican Republic, northern Haiti, and western Jamaica. One to three inches of rain might fall on Aruba and Puerto Rico. Until at least Saturday, there is a chance of flash and urban floods.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
