Storm Melissa Reaches Hurricane Strength
US forecasters issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica on Saturday, as Storm Melissa reached hurricane strength, threatening catastrophic flooding in the northern Caribbean.
A hurricane warning means winds of at least 74 mph (119 kph) are expected in the area within 36 hours.
“Melissa has become a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph,”
“Rapid intensification is expected, and Melissa is forecast to become a major hurricane tomorrow.”
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said this on Saturday afternoon. The slow-moving storm was expected to drop torrential rain, up to 25 inches (64 centimeters), on Jamaica.
- Jamaica: hurricane warning issued
- Haiti and the Dominican Republic: similar forecast through Monday
Author's summary: Storm Melissa threatens Caribbean.