Melissa Forecast to Explode Into Category 5 Storm

It is not looking good for the Caribbean as forecasters warn that Hurricane Melissa could rapidly intensify into a Category 5 monster. Read on for the latest news on the fast‐evolving situation in the Atlantic.

Threats Growing Wider and Stronger

Because Melissa is crawling over the Caribbean at such a slow pace and the environment around it remains nearly perfect for strengthening, forecasters say the danger is only growing. The storm is now capable of producing catastrophic impacts across multiple islands in its path. The National Hurricane Center warns that southern Jamaica and parts of Hispaniola could see 15 to 30 inches of rain, with localized totals near 40 inches possible in higher elevations. This level of rainfall could trigger life-threatening flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions.

Along Jamaica’s south coast, storm surge could rise 9 to 13 feet, accompanied by large, battering waves capable of swallowing coastal roads and flooding low-lying communities. With maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and even stronger gusts being reported, Melissa already has the power to tear down trees, flatten structures, and cause widespread power outages. Should it continue to intensify into a Category 5 storm, the potential for destruction would grow exponentially.

What makes Melissa especially dangerous is its sluggish pace. Because it’s barely moving, any area caught in its path could endure hours—or even days—of relentless rain, punishing winds, and dangerous surf. Forecast models still show some uncertainty in the storm’s future path, but current projections place Jamaica squarely in line for a direct hit before Melissa moves on toward eastern Cuba. After that, forecasters say the system could curve northeast, bringing rough seas and heavy rain to the Bahamas and possibly the U.S. East Coast later in the week.