Meteorologists are warning the US East Coast to prepare for rough surf, beach erosion, and stormy conditions as Storm Melissa strengthens in the Atlantic.
The National Hurricane Center said Friday that Melissa was 'nearly stationary' southeast of Jamaica after barreling over Haiti, where it killed three people on Thursday.
While the storm remains in the Caribbean, the agency cautioned that its eventual northeast turn could bring storm-related impacts, including rough surf and coastal hazards, to the East Coast, though the exact timing is uncertain.
AccuWeather meteorologists echoed the warning, saying: 'The timing and strength of a dip in the jet stream over the eastern US next week will help determine the path that Melissa takes through the Caribbean and into the Atlantic.
'Regardless of how close the storm gets to the U.S., rough surf, beach erosion, and coastal flooding issues are anticipated along much of the East Coast next week.'
A forecast map highlights the eastern seaboard from Miami, Florida, to New Bedford, Massachusetts, as areas most at risk.
AccuWeather's Friday update predicts Melissa will make landfall as a major hurricane in Jamaica early next week, followed by a second landfall in Cuba.
Lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva warned: 'Several days of heavy rainfall will likely cause life-threatening and widespread flash flooding. Mudslides and road washouts could cut off communities. Extreme winds from the slow-moving hurricane are expected to damage homes and businesses throughout the western Caribbean.
This is a developing story... More updates to come.
While the storm remains in the Caribbean, hurricane trackers cautioned that its eventual northeast turn could bring storm-related impacts, including rough surf and coastal hazards, to the East Coast, though the exact timing is uncertain
The erratic storm was expected to drop copious rain on Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic (pictured). At least three people were reported killed in Haiti
'Power and communication networks could be knocked offline for days or even weeks.
'By the time the storm ends, rainfall totals in some areas may be measured in feet rather than inches. Rapid intensification to a Category 5 hurricane is not out of the question.'
Forecasters warned Friday that Melissa could trigger 'catastrophic' flash flooding and landslides across Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica as it moved slowly through the Caribbean Sea.
The NHC expects the storm to unleash up to 20 inches of rain in the region by Monday, the New York Times reported.
DaSilva warned: 'Melissa is forecast to rapidly intensify to a major hurricane while slowly churning over the warm waters of the Caribbean.
'Because the storm is expected to move so slowly, some parts of Jamaica could experience hurricane conditions for 72 hours or longer.
'Melissa is evolving into a slow-motion disaster. Millions of people are at risk of catastrophic impacts. We are increasingly concerned about the threat of a humanitarian disaster unfolding.'