Melissa formed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of West Africa in mid-October and developed into a tropical storm on Oct. 21. Over the weekend, the system rapidly intensified over the central Caribbean, prompting hurricane warnings for Jamaica and southeastern Cuba, and a hurricane watch for Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The NHC said the hurricane’s slow movement increases the risk of prolonged rainfall and flooding. Forecast models project rainfall totals of up to 40 inches in some areas, with flash floods and landslides likely in mountainous terrain. “The entire island will be impacted,” Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management said in a statement Sunday, urging residents in coastal and flood-prone areas to evacuate.

In Haiti, officials reported at least three deaths related to flooding and structural collapses as the storm’s outer bands reached the country’s southern region. The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center said several homes were damaged and power outages were reported in multiple provinces.

Forecasters expect Melissa to maintain major hurricane strength as it nears Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday before turning northwest toward southeastern Cuba. Storm surge of up to 13 feet is possible along Jamaica’s southern coast, and large swells are expected to affect nearby islands, including the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, later in the week.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually active, with several systems undergoing rapid intensification fueled by warm sea surface temperatures. Authorities across the Caribbean have urged residents to monitor official advisories and complete preparations before conditions deteriorate.

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