Hurricane Watches issued for Jamaica and Haiti, heavy rains and life-threatening flooding forecast
A Hurricane Watch was issued on October 23, 2025, as Tropical Storm Melissa approached Hispaniola and Jamaica, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall and life-threatening flooding. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend and possibly a major hurricane early next week, producing heavy rain, flash flooding, and landslides across Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and parts of Cuba.
Satellite image of Tropical Storm Melissa at 13:20 UTC on October 23, 2025. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, The Watchers
- Melissa is expected to meander over the central Caribbean Sea for several days and become a major hurricane by late this weekend or early next week. Due to its slow motion, the risk of a prolonged multi-day period of potentially damaging winds, heavy rainfall resulting in life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides, and coastal flooding continues to increase for Jamaica. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, since strong winds and flooding rains could begin in Jamaica by Friday or Saturday.
- Strong winds could also persist for a day or more across the Tiburon Peninsula of Haiti. Interests in Cuba and the remainder of Haiti are advised to continue monitoring official forecasts and updates regarding Melissa.
- In addition to Jamaica, Melissa is expected to produce heavy rainfall across parts of the southern Dominican Republic and southern Haiti through this weekend and into next week. This rainfall is likely to cause significant, life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides.
At 11:00 EDT (15:00 UTC) on October 23, the center of Tropical Storm Melissa was located roughly 355 km (220 miles) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 450 km (280 miles) southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Maximum sustained winds (averaged over 1 minute) reached 75 km/h (45 mph), and the system had a minimum central pressure of 1 003 hPa. Melissa was moving northwest at 7 km/h (5 mph).
The Government of Jamaica has issued a Hurricane Watch and upgraded the existing Tropical Storm Watch to a warning. A Hurricane Watch is also in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti, from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince.
Melissa is forecast to strengthen significantly by late Friday and through the weekend and become a hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). On the forecast track, Melissa is expected to move closer to Jamaica and the southwestern portion of Haiti during the next couple of days.
Approximately 125–250 mm (5–10 inches) of rainfall is forecast across the southern Dominican Republic, southern Haiti, and eastern Jamaica through Sunday. The heavy rain could cause life-threatening flash floods and landslides, especially in areas with steep terrain and saturated soils.
Additional totals of 50–100 mm (2–4 inches) are expected across Puerto Rico, northern Hispaniola, and western Jamaica.
Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) placed operations on full alert as the government prepared shelters and issued advisories across flood-prone parishes.
In Haiti, Météo Haiti maintained Orange hurricane vigilance for the Grand Sud and Ouest departments while civil-protection officials urged communities to follow evacuation and safety guidance. In the Dominican Republic, ONAMET activated emergency committees in southern and coastal provinces.
Swells generated by Melissa will affect the coasts of Hispaniola, Jamaica, and eastern Cuba for several days, producing dangerous surf and rip-current conditions. Small craft are advised to remain in port. Port and ferry operations may face temporary suspensions due to the stormy seas.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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