Will Tropical Storm Melissa turn into a major hurricane? Latest updates from the Caribbean

A tropical storm named Melissa in the Caribbean could soon become a hurricane. As of now, countries likely to be in the firing line are Haiti and Jamaica. Melissa, a tropical storm in the Caribbean, is expected to become a hurricane soon. (Pexel) Melissa, brewing over the Caribbean, is the 13th tropical storm of the season. It formed on Tuesday, October 21, reports The New York Times. The storm’s future course is currently unclear. It moved rapidly westward until Tuesday, when it slowed and later intensified. As of now, the likely course of the storm will take it to Haiti and Jamaica, where it could cause heavy rain and flash flooding on Thursday, October 23. The Weather Channel reported that the storm could stall and turn into a hurricane on Friday. The Dominican Republic could also be hit by it. The various models examined indicate that the storm will move northwest, with one of them taking it to the northeast. Strength of Tropical Storm Melissa According to CBS12.com, the storm has winds of up to 45 miles per hour. The air pressure in the eye of the storm is 1000 millibars. Melissa is currently moving northwest at a speed of 6 miles per hour. The report added that the storm is facing moderate wind shear. This indicates that the winds high in the atmosphere blow in the opposite direction compared to those on the surface. This factor will hinder the storm’s growth, but this effect can be negated by the warm nature of the Caribbean Sea, which will fuel the storm’s growth. Although there is a more frightening prognosis. If the storm moves south, where the wind shear is weak, it could grow into a major hurricane. This would imply winds at a minimum speed of 111 miles per hour. As of now, the storm is not stable due to heavy winds in the atmosphere. These winds cause the center of the storm to re-form after the clouds disperse to the northeast. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the progress of the storm with the help of a special Hurricane Hunter aircraft. This will keep the public informed of the progress of this weather phenomenon. Currently, the United States appears to be out of the danger zone of the storm that could become a hurricane. Frequently Asked Questions Where is Tropical Storm Melissa currently located? Storm Melissa is currently active over the Caribbean Sea and appears to be headed for Jamaica and Haiti. Will Melissa turn into a hurricane? It might, depending on whether it slows down and worsens in the next two days. What agency is monitoring the storm? The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring the progress of the storm.