Experts Predict "Catastrophic and Life-Threatening Conditions" in Caribbean as Tropical Storm Melissa Approaches

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to turn into a major hurricane soon.

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The tropical storm is drifting east-southeastward in the Caribbean and is being closely monitored as it develops. The storm is expected to cause catastrophic flooding and major landslides, per the National Hurricane Center.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to be “catastrophic and life-threatening.” The most recent update was sent out at 8 AM on October 24th, 2025. As of October 24th, the storm is approaching Jamaica.

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Experts warn that the “life-threatening conditions” may be located in portions of Southern Hispaniola and Jamaica and will last throughout the weekend. The NHC also said the storm is roughly 165 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The NHC advises those who live in Jamaica and Haiti should make “preparations to protect life and property [and] should be rushed to completion.”

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For the remainder of Hispaniola and Cuba, heavy rainfall could also create life-threatening situations. The advisement encourages people in these areas to closely monitor Tropical Storm Melissa, as “heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and storm surge appear to be increasing.”

Be prepared for storms!

The storm is moving at one mile per hour, per the most recent update. It’s expected to continue to drift west throughout the next 24 hours. It’s expected to begin drifting westward on Saturday and continue through Monday. The NHC predicts the storm will approach Jamaica and parts of Haiti early next week.

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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a hurricane on Saturday, October 25th, and a major hurricane by October 26th. The NHC anticipates it will be a Category 4 storm. Hurricane season lasts from June 1st until November 30th, so we still have roughly a month left until the season ends.

Storms are no joke!

Meteorologist Dennis Philips with Tampa Bay 28 urged people to avoid Jamaica if at all possible. In a social media post online, he wrote, “I rarely say this, but 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.”

Hurricane skies

Be cautious: even after the storm has passed, the area is predicted to be devastated and will face issues due to the damage. The Department of Homeland Security offers several ways to prepare for hurricanes. First, it’s important to know you’re area of risk. If you are in a risky area, develop an evacuation plan if possible.

Storms can hit out of nowhere!

Ensure you have a disaster kit ready — have enough supplies for you, your entire family, and your pets. This would include items such as medication, important documents, water, food, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, and more. You can see the full suggestion list here.