Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Meteorological Service has positioned the island beneath a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Melissa swirls dangerously within the Caribbean Sea, threatening to deliver heavy rains, sturdy winds, and flash flooding over the approaching days.
Stories reaching Mckoy’s Information are that as of Tuesday afternoon, Tropical Storm Melissa was situated about 300 miles south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, packing most sustained winds of fifty miles per hour (80 km/h) and transferring steadily north-northwest throughout heat Caribbean waters.
Forecasters warn that Jamaica may start to really feel the outer bands of the storm by Wednesday evening, with intervals of torrential rain, gusty winds, and tough seas anticipated throughout coastal and mountainous areas.
“We’re urging all Jamaicans to take the required precautions,” a spokesperson from the Meteorological Service advised Mckoy’s Information. “Melissa may strengthen, and circumstances may deteriorate quickly.”
The system is projected to dump between 1 to three inches of rainfall, with increased quantities in some areas — elevating fears of flash floods, landslides, and potential energy outages.
Emergency responders and parish catastrophe coordinators have been positioned on excessive alert, whereas fishermen and boat operators are being urged to remain out of open waters as sea circumstances are anticipated to worsen.
In Kingston, many residents spent the night stocking up on meals, candles, and batteries, bracing for what might be the island’s first main brush with a tropical system this season.
“We nuh tek no possibilities — as soon as dem seh storm, we put together,” mentioned a vendor in Half-Method Tree. “We keep in mind how briskly di rain can mash up tings.”
Meteorologists are monitoring Melissa intently, with some fashions suggesting potential strengthening earlier than it nears Jamaica or Haiti.
The Workplace of Catastrophe Preparedness and Emergency Administration (ODPEM) is reminding the general public to remain tuned to official advisories and keep away from spreading misinformation on social media.
As evening falls over the island, Jamaicans are urged to batten down, keep secure, and keep knowledgeable
