Hurricanes

Tropical storm Melissa still looks fairly disorganized in the Central Caribbean. But it is forecast to slowly get stronger and blow up into a major hurricane by early next week as it pushes into warmer waters and encounters less shear. Because of its extremely slow movement, it poses a growing threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong winds to Caribbean islands, including Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba. Rainfall of 10 inches or more is possible in some areas along with hurricane force winds. The forecast track is about as uncertain as it gets, but, in general, the area from Jamaica to Haiti will have the biggest risk.

The FOX 26 Weather Team is continuing to monitor the latest with Tropical Storm Melissa. Forecasts are predicting the named storm will become a major hurricane.

FOX 26 Meteorologist Remeisha Shade has the latest as Tropical Storm Melissa has formed.

Recent satellite wind data indicate the tropical wave (Invest 98L) located over the eastern Caribbean Sea still lacks a closed circulation, but continues to produce a concentrated area of showers and thunderstorms. Compared to yesterday, surface observations suggest the circulation is gradually becoming better defined, and environmental conditions are forecast to become a little more conducive for development as the system slows its forward motion. A tropical depression or storm is now likely to form over the next day or two as it moves into the central Caribbean Sea.

Our phones are needed during storms to keep us connected and informed. FOX 26 Meteorologist John Dawson shows us the Spot X Satellite Messenger that can keep us connected even is cell towers aren't working.