NEWS: Experts Warn Tropical Storm Melissa Could Develop Into a Category 4 Hurricane As It Approaches Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is gaining strength in the Atlantic, with forecasts calling for it to intensify into a hurricane — likely category 3 or 4 — over the next few days, putting several Caribbean nations at risk.

©National Hurricane Center

According to the Weather Channel, the storm could lead to “life-threatening floods and landslides and days of tropical storm or hurricane conditions for parts of Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.” The storm is currently sitting in the central Caribbean Sea.

Current forecasts call for the storm to drift westward this weekend, which may bring it close to Jamaica for several days into early next week. The National Hurricane Center notes that Tropical Storm Melissa is moving slowly, but damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and a storm surge are all possible in Jamaica.

11am EDT Oct 24th Key Messages for #Melissa:

Given Melissa's slow motion, a multi-day period of prolonged damaging winds, heavy rainfall, & storm surge is possible for #Jamacia.

Catastrophic flash-flodding expected for SW #Haiti into early next week.https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/NBBqQ2G6oK

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 24, 2025

According to meteorologist Denis Phillips, “If you have plans to travel to Jamaica this weekend, don’t. If you are in Jamaica and are planning on riding it out, try to leave early. If you have reservations for next week, they will probably be canceled. Slow-moving storms can be fickle so maybe things will change, but it’s not worth the chance.”

©The Weather Channel

The National Hurricane Center warns that the storm could bring extreme flooding. They warned that “extensive damage to roads and buildings is expected” in areas including southwestern Haiti, which could “potentially isolate communities for an extended period of time.”

©The Weather Channel

Later on in the week, the storm is expected to turn in a northeastern direction, putting Cuba and the Bahamas in its path, before heading into the western Atlantic, where it could eventually become a threat to Bermuda. Note that the direction could change as it moves through the ocean, so consult the latest weather reports for more information.

As of Friday, October 24th, the storm is NOT expected to be a threat to South Florida or the Gulf region, though forecasters are monitoring it closely for any potential changes.

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a massive hurricane that could do severe damage in the Caribbean over the coming days. Stay tuned to AllEars for further updates on the storm’s growth and progress.