Heavy Rains Threaten Caribbean Nations
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Tropical Storm Melissa brought strong rains to Haiti and the Dominican Republic Wednesday, raising concerns about potential floods in the northern Caribbean.
The storm, moving slowly, was located southwest of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. It had winds of 50 mph and was moving west.
Forecasters warned of possible heavy rainfall, flash floods, power outages, and road damage for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica.
The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, ordered schools and non-essential businesses in alert provinces to close early Wednesday. Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to seek safety.
In the Dominican Republic, dozens were already in shelters. Water supply systems were affected, impacting over half a million people.
A hurricane watch was issued for southern Haiti, and a tropical storm watch for Jamaica.
Jamaica’s Minister of Water and Environment, Matthew Samuda, said hundreds of shelters across the island would be available if needed.
Melissa is expected to get stronger, possibly becoming a hurricane. Southern Haiti could see hurricane conditions soon, with Jamaica possibly affected by tropical storm conditions.
Forecasters noted uncertainty in the storm’s path, saying it could shift and affect other areas.
Heavy rainfall is expected for southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with Jamaica also seeing significant amounts.
Concerns are rising in Haiti about potential flooding, especially given the country’s history of storm damage.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season.
