Tropical Storm Melissa Rapidly Intensifies, Posing Severe Threat to Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti

A Monster Storm Takes Shape

Hurricane Melissa is gaining strength over the Caribbean, spinning slowly through some of the warmest waters on Earth and threatening to unleash catastrophic flooding, destructive winds, and towering waves from Jamaica to Cuba and Haiti.

By Wednesday night, Melissa was located about 335 miles (535 kilometers) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and roughly 295 miles (475 kilometers) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The storm’s sustained winds were near 50 mph (85 km/h) , but forecasters say that is just the beginning. Moving westward at only 2 mph (4 km/h) , Melissa is crawling — and that slow pace will only intensify its impact.

“The exceptionally warm waters, reaching hundreds of feet deep, will act like jet fuel — providing extra energy for Melissa," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert. “Rapid intensification into a Category 5 hurricane is not out of the question this weekend."

The Caribbean’s heat and humidity are feeding the storm like a furnace. Each passing hour, its clouds grow higher, darker, more violent.

Rainfall Measured in Feet, Not Inches

Forecasters warn that parts of Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti could face a foot or more of rain through the weekend. In mountainous terrain, rainfall totals may reach an astonishing 30 inches (76 centimeters) , enough to trigger deadly flash floods and landslides.

“A foot of rainfall or more could cause catastrophic flooding across parts of Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic," DaSilva said. “People in the path of this storm need to prepare for catastrophic impacts."

In Jamaica, meteorologists are already sounding the alarm. “That is significant rainfall, and that is the main thing that we should be mindful of at this time," said Evan Thompson, director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service. Emergency crews across the island are preparing for rising rivers and blocked roads.

The first downpours have already reached Hispaniola, where heavy rain in the Dominican Republic flooded parts of Santo Domingo and forced the cancellation of sports events.

Wind, Waves, and the Threat to Jamaica

The storm’s reach is vast. Tropical storm-force winds are projected to extend more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the center. Closer to the eye, gusts could surge to 150 mph (240 km/h) — strong enough to rip off roofs, flatten trees, and bring down power lines.

Storm surge flooding is also a serious concern for Jamaica’s southern and eastern coasts. “Even if the storm does not make landfall, Jamaica will face extreme conditions," forecasters said.

Seas will build into walls of water, and powerful waves could damage or sink even large vessels near the coast. In the words of one forecaster: “The ocean itself will become a weapon."

Cuba Next in Line

After passing Jamaica, Melissa is expected to push toward eastern Cuba early next week. Forecast models suggest it could strike as a major hurricane. Cuba’s mountainous terrain could worsen the flooding risk, with rainwater funneling into valleys and coastal plains.

The outer bands of Melissa are already sweeping across eastern Cuba, Puerto Rico, and nearby islands, delivering heavy rain and gusty thunderstorms.

Uncertain Track, Widespread Fear

The National Hurricane Center describes the forecast path as “extremely uncertain." A dip in the jet stream over the United States could nudge the storm northward toward the Bahamas or keep it on a more westward route, closer to South Florida.

For now, the greatest danger remains in the Caribbean itself. Communities from Port-au-Prince to Kingston and Santiago de Cuba are bracing for days of pounding rain and howling wind.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and the first to form in the Caribbean basin. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had warned of an active season — up to 18 named storms and as many as five major hurricanes.

Now, that forecast feels chillingly accurate. The Caribbean sky is darkening. The wind is rising. And Melissa is just beginning to show her strength.