Tropical Storm Melissa isn’t just a storm—it’s a slow-moving rain bomb hovering over the Caribbean. Its near-stationary pace is turning what could have been a manageable weather event into a potential humanitarian crisis for Jamaica and Haiti.
Why Melissa’s Slow Speed Is a Recipe for Disaster
Unlike fast-moving hurricanes that deliver a sharp blow and move on, Tropical Storm Melissa is crawling. This sluggish movement means the same areas will be pummeled by torrential rain for days on end. The National Hurricane Center warns that this prolonged deluge dramatically increases the risk of life-threatening flash floods and devastating landslides, especially in mountainous regions with deforested slopes—a tragic reality in parts of Haiti .
Tropical Storm Melissa Rainfall Forecast: By the Numbers
The rainfall projections are staggering. Forecasters are predicting truly historic totals for a storm of this intensity.
| Region | Expected Rainfall | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Jamaica | 10 to 20 inches (25-51 cm) | Major flash flooding, mudslides, infrastructure damage |
| Southern Haiti | 10 to 20 inches (25-51 cm) | Extreme flash flooding, catastrophic landslides, high risk to life |
| Southern Dominican Republic | 8 to 14 inches (20-35 cm) | Significant flooding, river overflows, road closures |
| Isolated Areas | Up to 25 inches (64 cm) | Unprecedented flooding, community isolation |
Some isolated areas could see a mind-boggling 25 inches of rain—a full two feet of water dumped in just a few days . To put that in perspective, that’s more rain than many cities in the northern United States receive in an entire year.
Tropical Storm Melissa Timeline: What to Expect
The threat is already unfolding. Tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds and heavy rain, are expected to begin in Haiti and Jamaica as early as Friday . The most intense period of rainfall is forecast to last through the weekend and into early next week, creating a multi-day siege of bad weather .
This extended timeline gives emergency managers a critical window to act, but it also means residents in the storm’s path must prepare for a prolonged period without power, clean water, or safe passage on roads.
The Human Cost of a Stalled Storm
The primary danger from Tropical Storm Melissa isn’t its wind; it’s the water. In nations like Haiti, which has a history of deadly landslides following heavy rains, the ground is already saturated from previous weather systems. The additional rainfall from Melissa could easily trigger massive earth movements, burying homes and cutting off entire villages .
Jamaica, while better equipped for disaster response, still faces a monumental challenge. Its eastern parishes are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with the potential for widespread agricultural damage and long-term disruption to daily life .
Staying Safe and Informed
Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow all instructions from local authorities. This includes evacuating if ordered, securing property, and having an emergency kit ready with at least three days of food, water, and essential supplies. The slow nature of the storm means there is still time to prepare, but that window is closing fast.
Sources
- The New York Times: Why Tropical Storm Melissa’s Slow Speed Is a Problem
- National Hurricane Center Public Advisories
