Tropical Storm Melissa forms in the Caribbean on a path toward Haiti

Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea

Extreme Weather Tropical Storm Melissa (NOAA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tropical Storm Melissa formed in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday as forecasters warned that heavy rain, flooding and strong winds could hit Haiti and Jamaica later this week.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch for parts of Haiti, while the Jamaican government issued a tropical storm watch for the island.

On Tuesday morning, Melissa was about 300 miles (480 kilometers) south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph). It was moving west at 14 mph (23 kph).

Officials said Haiti and the Dominican Republic could see 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) of rainfall by Friday, with Aruba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica getting 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 centimeters) of rain.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Tropical Storm Melissa forms in the Caribbean on a path toward Haiti

Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea

Bookmark popover

Thank you for registering