Expected Cat 4 Hurricane Melissa to threaten Jamaica, Cuba, but Florida effects uncertain

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to grow into a major Category 4 hurricane as it threatens Jamaica and then Cuba, but its effects on Florida remain uncertain, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of the NHC’s 5 a.m. advisory, Melissa had 45 mph sustained winds located about 165 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica and 275 miles southwest of Port au Prince, Haiti, but having nearly stalled forward movement.

“Melissa is nearly stationary, but a slow drift toward the northeast and north is expected later today and tonight. A westward drift is then forecast to begin on Saturday and continue through Monday,” said NHC Warning Coordination Meteorologist Robbie Berg. “On the forecast track, the center of Melissa is expected to move near or just south of Jamaica early next week.