Fri Oct 24 06:54:56 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten news article:

Summary:

Tropical Storm Melissa is moving through the central Caribbean, expected to intensify into a major hurricane (potentially Category 4) by the end of the weekend. It is currently bringing heavy rainfall to Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, causing flooding and landslides. One death has been reported in Haiti due to a falling tree. The storm is slow-moving and erratic, with warnings of catastrophic flash flooding, especially in southern Haiti. The UN is preparing emergency shelters in Haiti, a country particularly vulnerable due to past storms and ongoing challenges. The Dominican Republic has closed schools and government offices in affected areas. Officials warn residents to remain vigilant as the storm’s intensity and path can change quickly.

News Article:

Tropical Storm Melissa Strengthens, Expected to Become Major Hurricane, Claims Life in Haiti

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tropical Storm Melissa is churning through the central Caribbean, threatening to intensify into a major hurricane by the end of the weekend. Forecasters are warning of potentially “catastrophic” flash flooding and landslides, particularly in southern Haiti, as the storm moves slowly northward.

Tragically, Melissa has already claimed a life. An elderly man in the coastal town of Marigot, Haiti, was killed when a large tree was toppled by the storm’s winds. Five others were injured in flooding in the central Artibonite area.

As of Friday, the US National Hurricane Center reported that Melissa was located approximately 150 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 270 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. While currently packing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, projections indicate the storm could reach Category 4 hurricane status by Tuesday.

Heavy rainfall is expected across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica’s eastern region could see up to 14 inches of rain, exacerbating already saturated ground and increasing the risk of landslides.

The United Nations is preparing over 100 emergency shelters in Haiti’s southern region. Haiti, still recovering from previous devastating storms, faces heightened vulnerability due to widespread erosion, poverty, and gang violence.

In the Dominican Republic, dozens of water supply systems have been knocked out, affecting over half a million customers. All public schools and government offices in twelve provinces have been closed.

Jamaican Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew Samuda urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that the storm’s pace and strength can change rapidly.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and the first to form in the Caribbean this year. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-normal season, with the potential for several more hurricanes, including major ones, before the season’s end on November 30th.

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