October 1, 2026
MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Melissa began dumping heavy rain on Hispaniola on Tuesday as forecasters warned of a significant flood risk in parts of the Caribbean region later this week.
The rains snarled traffic in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, and at least one traffic light was down as winds whipped around the city. Games in the country’s professional baseball league were canceled.
People in Haiti grew concerned over the possibility of heavy flooding, which has devastated the country during past storms, given widespread erosion.
Melissa had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as of Tuesday night, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
A hurricane watch was issued for southern Haiti, while a tropical storm watch was in effect for Jamaica.
Five to 10 inches of rain were possible in southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic through Friday, with several inches also expected in Jamaica. Heavy rain was also forecast for the northern areas of Hispaniola, Aruba, and Puerto Rico.
More heavy rain was possible past Friday, and there was a significant risk of flash flooding and landslides. Melissa was forecast to gain strength gradually, but the U.S. forecasters warned that its track and forward movement were uncertain, and people in the region should remain alert.
Share with others
