Melissa's Caribbean Dance: What's Next for the Storm?
Melissa, the storm that's been lingering in the Caribbean like an uninvited guest, is finally starting to show some movement. But don't pack your umbrellas away just yet. This storm is tricky, and no one knows for sure where it's headed next.
A Slow-Moving Storm
The storm has been stuck in one place for days, moving at a snail's pace of about one mile per hour. This slow movement makes it hard for weather experts to predict where and when it might cause trouble. The National Hurricane Center has been saying for days that they're not sure how strong Melissa will get or where it's going.
Current Threats
Right now, the storm is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. This rain could cause flash flooding and landslides, which could be dangerous. The storm is expected to get stronger over the weekend, possibly becoming a major hurricane.
The Uncertain Path
After that, things get a bit murky. The storm's path and strength are still up in the air. It's been moving slowly, but it's starting to get more organized, which should help weather experts make better predictions.
Saturday
- Expected to start moving westward and get stronger.
- Chance of heavy rain and strong winds in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
Sunday
- Continues moving westward, bringing more rain and wind to Jamaica.
- Could reach Category 3 or 4 strength, causing significant damage.
Monday
- Continues moving westward, staying south of Jamaica.
- Heavy rain expected in Jamaica and Haiti.
- After three days of slow movement, the storm is expected to start moving faster.
Tuesday
- Chance of hitting Jamaica directly, bringing the strongest winds.
- Possible shift west or east, depending on when it starts moving northeast.
Midweek
- Expected to be near or over southeastern Cuba.
- More heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge possible.
Beyond the Caribbean
- Expected to move over the Bahamas and then into the open Atlantic Ocean.
What About Florida?
The timing of when the storm starts moving northeast will have a big impact on the forecast.
- If it starts moving earlier, it's less likely to affect the United States.
- If it starts moving later, it's more likely to affect the United States.
- Right now, it's not expected to significantly affect the East Coast of the United States.
