Death toll rises to 4 as Tropical Storm Melissa drenches Northern Caribbean

Tropical Storm Melissa is edging closer to hurricane strength and has already left a deadly path across the northern Caribbean, with at least four fatalities reported. Three deaths occurred in Haiti and another in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

Forecasters warn that the slow-moving system poses a major flood threat as it dumps astonishing amounts of rain. Parts of southwest Haiti could see up to 35 inches (89 centimeters), raising fears of life-threatening flooding and landslides. Jamaica, along with southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, is bracing for up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) through Monday.

“If those rains were to occur, you’re talking about catastrophic flooding potential,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As of Saturday, Melissa was churning about 160 miles (260 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph). The storm was crawling west-northwest at just 1 mph (3 kph), and forecasters said rapid intensification is expected within the next 24 hours.

Melissa is forecast to reach hurricane status soon and could become a major hurricane by Sunday, possibly hitting Category 4 strength early Monday.

Emergency officials in Haiti reported the fatal incidents along with five injuries from a collapsed wall. Rising rivers have already destroyed a bridge in Sainte-Suzanne, and flooding continues to worsen.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Jamaica, while Haiti’s southwestern peninsula is under a hurricane watch. The storm’s center is expected to move near or over Jamaica early next week before heading toward eastern Cuba by Wednesday, where up to a foot of rain could fall.

Authorities in Jamaica say the country’s airports will shut down within 24 hours of a hurricane warning being issued. More than 650 shelters are active, and warehouses are stocked with emergency supplies.

“I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously,” cautioned Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “Take all measures to protect yourself.”

In the Dominican Republic, nearly 200 homes have been damaged and water systems disrupted, leaving more than half a million residents without running water. Downed trees, landslides, and flooded roads have isolated more than two dozen communities.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the busy 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November. U.S. forecasters had already predicted an above-normal season with 13 to 18 named storms expected.