With Tropical Storm Melissa expected to strengthen into a hurricane this weekend, officials are warning that Jamaica and Haiti could face catastrophic flooding.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Melissa is expected to meander off Jamaicas southern coast, lashing the mountainous island with heavy rain and gusty winds. The storms outer rainbands are also forecast to continue impacting Haiti.

The National Hurricane Center said much of Jamaica and Haiti could see 15 to 25 inches of rainfall, with some localized areas receiving up to 35 inches.

Hurricane-force winds are expected to begin pounding Jamaica on Sunday and may not let up until late Tuesday. By then, Melissa is expected to become a major hurricane.

Melissas slow movement will bring a multi-day period of damaging winds a

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