Overview
- Forecast guidance shows the storm slowing from Wednesday and lingering between Jamaica and Haiti through at least Saturday.
- Tropical-storm watches are posted for Jamaica, with a hurricane watch for southwestern Haiti, and upgrades to warnings are possible as conditions worsen.
- The National Hurricane Center reported maximum sustained winds near 50 mph on Tuesday, with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to about 115 miles.
- Haiti and the Dominican Republic are projected to receive 8–12 inches of rain with localized totals above 14 inches, raising a high risk of flash flooding, landslides and mudslides.
- Melissa could strengthen to a hurricane by late week, and current forecasts keep Florida out of the direct track with hazardous surf possible.