(NEW YORK) — Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a major hurricane this weekend, posing a significant threat of flash flooding and landslides in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.

Hurricane conditions are anticipated to first impact southern Haiti on Saturday, followed by Jamaica on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Meteorologists predict that Melissa will reach major hurricane status, classified as a Category 3 or higher, with wind speeds exceeding 110 mph affecting Jamaica from Sunday through at least Tuesday.

The prolonged duration of the storm is expected to cause extensive damage. Tragically, the storm has already resulted in the death of an elderly man in Haiti, who was killed by a fallen tree.

Rainfall amounts of 8 to 14 inches are forecasted from Friday through Sunday night across southern Dominican Republic, southern Haiti, and eastern Jamaica. This heavy rain is likely to lead to life-threatening flash flooding and landslides in these areas.

Depending on the storm's trajectory, western Jamaica may experience increased impacts early next week. After passing north of Jamaica, Melissa is expected to move across southern Cuba and the Bahamas as it continues northwest into the Atlantic, steering clear of the mainland United States.