Hurricane Melissa has formed in the Atlantic, charting a course that puts Bermuda on high alert for dangerous conditions while threatening to fuel significant downpours across the Northeast U.S. late this weekend and into next week.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has upgraded the former subtropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds currently reaching over 120 km/h (75 mph). While Melissa is not expected to become a major hurricane, its large size and slow movement will generate widespread impacts.
Melissa’s Path: A Direct Threat to Bermuda
Bermuda is in the direct path of the storm, prompting officials to issue a Hurricane Watch for the island. This means hurricane conditions, including powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and a life-threatening storm surge, are possible within 48 hours.
Authorities are advising residents to finalize preparations, secure property, and be ready for potential power outages. The primary dangers will be the high winds and the hazardous coastal conditions, including extremely dangerous surf and rip currents that will affect the island for several days.
Northeast U.S. Braces for Melissa-Fueled Downpours
While Hurricane Melissa will remain hundreds of kilometres off the U.S. East Coast, its influence will be strongly felt from Pennsylvania to New England. The hurricane is pulling a massive plume of tropical moisture northward, which is set to collide with an incoming cold front.
This collision will fuel widespread, heavy downpours across the Northeast. Forecasters are predicting 2 to 4 inches of rain, with some localized areas receiving even more. This deluge raises the risk of urban and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Hartford, and Boston can expect a severely impacted Monday morning commute. Residents in recently saturated areas should monitor local rivers and streams for potential flooding.
A Late-Season Hurricane Reminder
Melissa serves as a potent reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is active well into the autumn months. Warm ocean temperatures are providing the necessary fuel for storms to develop, and residents in coastal areas should remain vigilant until the season officially ends on November 30th. Stay tuned for continuous updates on Hurricane Melissa‘s track and its developing impacts.
