San Juan, PR :- Tropical Storm Melissa is currently swirling in the Caribbean Sea, bringing the risk of life-threatening flooding to several island nations, including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Forecasters are warning of heavy rainfall and mudslides, while also noting that the storm’s future path remains highly unpredictable.
As of Wednesday, Melissa is expected to impact Hispaniola and Puerto Rico with torrential rain, raising alarms over urban flooding, flash floods, and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.
Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risk the Immediate Concern
The primary threat from Melissa is significant rainfall, which could lead to hazardous conditions across the region. Emergency officials are urging residents to remain alert and to follow local advisories as conditions deteriorate.
Forecasters emphasize that even if the storm does not intensify significantly, its slow movement and moisture-laden structure pose a major risk for prolonged downpours over already saturated areas.
Storm Track Beyond Caribbean Remains Unclear
Looking beyond the Caribbean, meteorologists caution that the long-term track of Melissa is highly uncertain. A developing complex atmospheric steering pattern is making it difficult to determine whether the storm will remain out to sea or threaten parts of the southeastern United States.
“Spaghetti models” used to visualize forecast scenarios currently show a wide spread of possible paths, ranging from a northward turn away from land to a westward track toward the Bahamas and Florida.
The key time frame for any potential U.S. impact would be this weekend into early next week, but experts warn that forecast confidence remains low.
Possible Long-Term Scenarios
Meteorologists are closely monitoring a high-pressure system building over the Atlantic, which could influence Melissa’s direction. Possible outcomes include:
- A westward push toward the Bahamas and Florida if the high blocks Melissa’s escape route.
- A northward turn out to sea, sparing the U.S. mainland.
- Weakening over Hispaniola if Melissa interacts significantly with the island’s mountainous terrain.
Officials Urge Caution and Preparedness
Authorities in the Caribbean are advising residents to prepare for flooding, power outages, and potential evacuations. In the U.S., officials are recommending that Florida and Southeast residents monitor the storm closely and ensure hurricane preparedness plans are in place, even though a direct impact is not yet forecast.
More updates are expected as forecasters gather new data and refine their models over the next 48 hours.
