Caribbean Braces for Major Flooding as Tropical Storm Melissa Stalls
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tropical Storm melissa is posing a significant flood threat to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas as it remains nearly stationary in the Caribbean Sea. Authorities across the region are taking proactive measures, including evacuations and closures, to prepare for potentially life-threatening rainfall.
Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has already caused damage in the Dominican Republic, impacting nearly 200 homes and disrupting water service to over half a million customers. Downed trees, traffic lights, and minor landslides have also been reported. All public schools and government offices in 12 provinces under alert are closed Friday, and more than two dozen communities are isolated due to floodwaters. Dominican President Luis Abinader emphasized the priority is “to save lives,” citing ”the enormous amount of rain” as the primary risk. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for areas under alert.
In Jamaica, residents are preparing for the worst. Alton Williams of Mandeville stated, ”I moved my car to higher ground and gathered all essential documents just in case.” Veronica James in eastern Kingston is monitoring updates and keeping her children informed,with a “small bag ready with medicine and important papers” should evacuation become necessary. Schools, health centers, and government offices across Jamaica closed Thursday, and authorities are preparing to shut down all airports within 24 hours if a hurricane warning is issued. More than 650 shelters have been activated.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged the challenges posed by the storm’s slow movement, but affirmed, ”Jamaica is at risk. There is a threat.” The public sector will close by Friday afternoon.
The Bahamas’ Foreign Affairs Ministry is evacuating Bahamian students from Jamaica on Friday in anticipation of the storm.
the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The U.S.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Management predicted an above-normal season, forecasting 13 to 18 named storms.