A tropical storm building in the Caribbean is likely to become a hurricane by the weekend or early next week, possibly bringing torrential rain and gales to several islands.
The slow-moving Tropical Storm Melissa, which started on Tuesday, is expected to become a Category 3 or 4 hurricane south of Jamaica next week, according to US-National Hurricane Center.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Jamaica, said the UK Foreign Office. In an update to its travel advice, it warned ‘tropical storm conditions, especially the threat of heavy rain, could pose a possible threat’ to the island.
“Local authorities are continuing to monitor and update on the progress of Tropical Storm Melissa,” it added.
“Advice remains to stay informed by monitoring local and international weather updates including the Meteorological Service for Jamaica and the US National Hurricane Centre, and follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of evacuation orders.”
The Jamaica Meteorological Service issued warnings on Wednesday for the north and south coasts, advising people to ‘prepare for possible evacuation from vulnerable coastal areas’.
The storm is thought likely to edge closer towards Jamaica or the Cayman Islands from the middle of next week, before continuing on to Cuba and the Bahamas.
Alternatively, it might turn northward and hit Haiti and eastern Cuba, but, according to US-based The Weather Channel, this is less likely.
Parts of Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Haiti could experience more than 10 inches of rainfall next week, with heavy downpours also forecast for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos, and parts of the Bahamas.
Heavy rainfall is likely to trigger life-threatening flash flooding and landslides in hilly and mountainous areas.
“This has the potential to be a long, drawn-out affair lasting well into next week,” added The Weather Channel.
The threat to mainland US, primarily southern Florida, is low, but there is a possibility it will be hit by heavy rain.
Melissa is the 13th storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which usually lasts until November.
