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Tropical Storm Melissa was expected to intensify into a hurricane on Saturday as forecasters warned of heavy rainfall and life-threatening flooding and mudslides in the north. CaribbeanA staggering 35 inches (89 cm) of rain is expected in the Southwest haiti,
Irregular and slow-moving storm has killed at least three people and a fourth person in Haiti Dominican RepublicWhere another person is missing.
By Monday, up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain is expected in Jamaica and southern areas of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, while Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula is expected to see up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
“If it rained, you’re talking about the potential for catastrophic flooding,” said Jamie Rome, the center’s deputy director.
Melissa was located about 180 miles (290 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 245 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. According to the US National Hurricane Center, it had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and was moving northwest at 3 mph (6 kph).
Hurricane warnings and tropical storm warnings were in effect for Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti.
The center of Melissa is expected to move near or over Jamaica early next week, forecasters said.
U.S. forecasters said Melissa was expected to become a major hurricane by Sunday and possibly reach Category 4 status by early Monday.
After this, the storm is expected to reach the eastern part. Cuba early Wednesday, where up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of precipitation could fall in some areas.
The Bahamas Meteorological Department said Melissa could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to the southeast and central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands early next week.
Authorities in Jamaica warned that all airports would be closed within 24 hours if a hurricane warning was issued. More than 650 shelters were activated.
Officials said warehouses across the island were well-stocked and thousands of food packages were prepared for quick distribution if needed.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, “I urge Jamaicans to take the threat of this weather seriously.” “Take all measures to protect yourself.”
The storm damaged about 200 homes and knocked out water supply systems in the Dominican Republic, affecting more than half a million customers. It also downed trees and traffic lights, caused some small landslides and left more than two dozen communities isolated by floodwaters.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above normal season with 13 to 18 named storms.