Melissa, the meteorological guest that nobody asked for
It seems that nature, in its infinite generosity, has decided to gift the Caribbean with an aquatic spectacle of biblical proportions. Tropical Storm Melissa, because what better name for a potentially catastrophic phenomenon than one that sounds like a friendly accountant?, is preparing for rapid intensification this weekend. Meteorologists, those soothsayers with supercomputers, warn of torrential precipitation and flooding that could be lethal in the northern Caribbean. But what is truly spectacular is the forecast of 89 centimeters of rain in the southwest of Haiti. Because, of course, who wouldn’t want the equivalent of a paddling pool to fall on them?
This erratic meteor, which moves slower than a bank line on a Monday morning, has already claimed the lives of at least three people in Haiti and a fourth in the Dominican Republic. As if that were not enough, there is a missing person, because an event of this caliber would not be complete without its touch of mystery and human drama. Projections indicate that the rains could leave up to 64 centimeters of water in Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with the possibility of reaching those glorious 89 centimeters on the Haitian peninsula of Tiburon. One can almost imagine sharks swimming through the streets, completing the apocalyptic scene.
Forecasts that keep you awake (and at home)
Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, with that professional calm that only those who do not have their house about to float out to sea have, indicated: “If these rains occurred, we would be talking about potentially catastrophic floods.” Wow, really? Catastrophic? What a technical and sophisticated way of saying “the universal flood is coming, Caribbean version.”
For those who love precise data, Melissa was located about 260 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 375 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It had maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour and was moving in a west-northwest direction at the exasperating speed of 3 km/h. That is, slower than an overweight snail. But don’t get complacent, because experts warn that “rapid intensification will begin in the next 24 hours.” Melissa is expected to become a hurricane shortly and a major hurricane on Sunday. Because what would a weekend be without the imminent threat of a category 3 or higher cyclone?
Meanwhile, on dry land, chaos is already doing its thing. Haitian authorities reported that three people were killed and five others were injured when a wall collapsed. Because when nature decides to get angry, even the walls literally collapse. They also reported rising river levels, flooding and a destroyed bridge. Of course, hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for Jamaica and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. Because nothing says “prepare for the worst” like a good warning system.
Preparations for the apocalypse (Caribbean version)
Melissa is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane or higher on Sunday and could reach Category 4 early Monday. Because, clearly, Category 3 falls short for an aspirational storm. The forecast indicates that the meteor could hit eastern Cuba in the early hours of Wednesday, where it will drop up to 30 centimeters of rain in some areas. Just a modest downpour, compared to what awaits its neighbors.
Meanwhile, in Jamaica, authorities have warned that all airports will close if a hurricane warning is issued. More than 650 shelters have been set up, because what better weekend plan than a mass meeting in a cyclone shelter? The island’s warehouses were well stocked and thousands of food packages have been prepared. The Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, with that seriousness that only those who have an entire country focused on the climate have, stated: “I ask Jamaicans to take this climate threat seriously. Take all measures to protect themselves.” What advice, almost as if it were important.
On the other side of the island, in the Dominican Republic, Melissa has already caused damage to almost 200 homes and water supply cuts affecting more than half a million customers. It also downed trees and traffic lights, caused small landslides and left more than two dozen communities isolated by flooding. Because when a tropical storm visits, it doesn’t come alone: it brings a complete package of destruction and chaos.
The season that continues to give surprises
For those keeping track, Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had predicted a season with more activity than usual, with between 13 and 18 named storms. Because, apparently, the weather also lives up to its projections, although one wishes it were as unpunctual as a teenager.
So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. While Melissa prepares for its great transformation from a tropical storm to a major hurricane, the entire Caribbean awaits with that mixture of resignation and hope that only these meteorological giants provoke. Because in the end, all you have to do is cross your fingers, follow the instructions of the authorities and, above all, keep your sense of humor. Because, let’s be honest, if we didn’t laugh at the absurd magnitude of these phenomena, we would probably cry.
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