National Hurricane Center Issues Hurricane Watch for Haiti As Tropical Storm Melissa Grows in Caribbean Sea
By Space Coast Daily // October 22, 2025
hurricane season runs through November 30
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti, stretching from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince, as Tropical Storm Melissa continues to strengthen over the Caribbean Sea.
A Tropical Storm Watch is also in effect for Jamaica.
As of 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday,Tropical Storm Melissa is moving slowly west at about 2 mph. Forecasters expect Melissa to gradually turn northwest and north over the next couple of days before shifting back toward the west by the weekend.
On this path, the storm is expected to approach Jamaica and southwestern Haiti later this week.
Max sustained winds have clocked in near 50 mph, with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected in the coming days, and Melissa could reach hurricane strength by Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend up to 115 miles from the center, with a minimum central pressure estimated at 1000 mb (29.53 inches).
Forecasters warn that hurricane conditions are possible in Haiti beginning late Thursday, while tropical storm conditions could reach Jamaica by Thursday night or Friday.
Melissa is expected to produce 5 to 10 inches of rainfall across southern Haiti, southern Dominican Republic, and eastern Jamaica through Saturday, with isolated higher amounts possible.
These heavy rains may lead to significant flash flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas.
Northern Haiti, northern Dominican Republic, western Jamaica, and Puerto Rico could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, causing potential flash and urban flooding.
Swells generated by Melissa are also expected to reach Hispaniola, Jamaica, and eastern Cuba over the next couple of days, leading to dangerous surf and rip current conditions.
Residents in the Caribbean region—particularly those in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic—are urged to closely monitor the storm’s progress and follow updates from their local meteorological services.
