Overview
- Forecasters confirmed Melissa’s formation Tuesday in the central Caribbean, with National Hurricane Center advisories beginning at 11 a.m. ET and sustained winds near 45 mph.
- Heavy rain, gusty winds and hazardous surf are expected for the ABC Islands within days, with risks also flagged for Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba later this week.
- Air Force Hurricane Hunters are scheduled to investigate the storm today to better define its center, intensity and path.
- Exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures and decreasing wind shear could support strengthening, with some guidance indicating hurricane potential later this week.
- Model guidance is divided, with many solutions turning the storm toward Hispaniola or Cuba and others stalling or drifting it west toward Central America, and experts see low near-term threat to the U.S. mainland.