Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Meteorological Service has placed the island under a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Melissa swirls dangerously in the Caribbean Sea, threatening to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and flash flooding over the coming days.
Reports reaching Mckoy’s News are that as of Tuesday afternoon, Tropical Storm Melissa was located about 300 miles south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, packing maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) and moving steadily north-northwest across warm Caribbean waters.
Forecasters warn that Jamaica could begin to feel the outer bands of the storm by Wednesday night, with periods of torrential rain, gusty winds, and rough seas expected across coastal and mountainous areas.
“We are urging all Jamaicans to take the necessary precautions,” a spokesperson from the Meteorological Service told Mckoy’s News. “Melissa could strengthen, and conditions could deteriorate rapidly.”
The system is projected to dump between 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with higher amounts in some areas — raising fears of flash floods, landslides, and possible power outages.
Emergency responders and parish disaster coordinators have been placed on high alert, while fishermen and boat operators are being urged to stay out of open waters as sea conditions are expected to worsen.
In Kingston, many residents spent the evening stocking up on food, candles, and batteries, bracing for what could be the island’s first major brush with a tropical system this season.
“We nuh tek no chances — once dem seh storm, we prepare,” said a vendor in Half-Way Tree. “We remember how fast di rain can mash up tings.”
Meteorologists are monitoring Melissa closely, with some models suggesting possible strengthening before it nears Jamaica or Haiti.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reminding the public to stay tuned to official advisories and avoid spreading misinformation on social media.
As night falls over the island, Jamaicans are urged to batten down, stay safe, and stay informed
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