Tropical Storm Melissa could become Category 5

ByEnigma 808

The National Hurricane Center warns Tropical Storm Melissa may strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane before reaching Jamaica early next week. Forecasters said on Friday afternoon the system had gained near-hurricane force while drifting northward through Caribbean waters.

Meteorologists expect the storm to intensify rapidly over the weekend as it crosses exceptionally warm ocean temperatures with minimal wind resistance. The agency projects Melissa will achieve maximum sustained winds near 155 mph within 60 hours, meeting the threshold for the most severe hurricane classification.

Jamaica faces threats of extreme winds, sudden flooding, mudslides, and hazardous coastal surges as the storm approaches. Haiti and the Dominican Republic will likely experience torrential rainfall that could trigger devastating floods and landslides across mountainous terrain.

Melissa marks the 13th named storm this Atlantic hurricane season, which has already generated four hurricanes. Two of those earlier systems reached Category 5 intensity, matching the potential strength forecasters anticipate for Melissa.

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  • Enigma XO avatar (80x80)

    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.