Holidays could be in jeopardy as Tropical Storm Melissa threatens popular winter sun destinations.Â
The storm has been brewing in the Caribbean but is now forecast to develop into something much worse.
Melissa first began on Tuesday and the US National Hurricane Centre predicts it could become ‘a major hurricane’.
It is expected to develop ‘by late this weekend of early next week,’ according to an update posted today (October 23).
Popular holiday destinations including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic have been warned.
Strong winds that could last ‘for a day or more’ are a possible risk in Jamaica and Tiburon in Haiti.Â
The National Hurricane Centre urged that ‘preparations to protect life and property should rushed to completion’.
It went on to warn that the bad weather and strong winds could start in Tiburon and Jamaica as early as Friday and ‘continue increasing over the weekend’.Â
It is expected to develop ‘by late this weekend of early next week,’ according to an update posted today (October 23)
Popular holiday destinations including Jamaica (pictured), Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic have been warned
Parts of the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti are forecast to be hit with heavy rainfall from Melissa.
The centre adds the weather could be ‘bringing a risk of significant, life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides’.
The UK Foreign Office updated its guidance for Jamaica and said: ‘Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Jamaica based on the current weather projections for Tropical Storm Melissa.Â
‘Tropical storm conditions, especially the threat of heavy rain, could pose a possible threat to Jamaica.’
It explained how local authorities are monitoring the situation and continue to provide updates.Â
The guidance added: ‘Advice remains to stay informed by monitoring local and international weather updates, including from the Meteorological Service For Jamaica and the US National Hurricane Centre, and follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of evacuation orders.’
Further warnings have been issued by the Jamaica Meteorological Service, according to Travel Gossip.Â
Parts of the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti are forecast to be hit with heavy rainfall from Melissa
It advised people along the north and south coast to ‘prepare for possible evacuation from vulnerable coastal areas’.Â
Melissa is thought to be heading to the Cayman Islands or Jamaica from the middle of next week.Â
It is then predicted to head towards Cuba and the Bahamas.
Or, there is a possibility it could go to eastern Cuba and Haiti, though this path is reportedly less likely.
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Holidays in jeopardy as Tropical Storm Melissa threatens popular winter sun destinations