AT Weather Desk

Mid-morning will see increased activity, with peak conditions expected to affect Trinidad’s western half, northwestern mountains, and northeastern Tobago.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported that the situation in St. Elizabeth is worsening, with several families trapped in their homes as rescue teams work to evacuate them to safety.

Due to the calamity, the reports of damage to schools, hospitals and road infrastructure have been recorded across Jamaica.

Amid the threat of Hurricane Melissa, there are also chances of the formation of another storm in the Southwest of Baja, California.

Five offshore earthquakes, including a 6.7 magnitude tremor, struck near Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and Gaudeloupe within an hour raising concerns among public.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to bring several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall starting late Saturday or Sunday.

The UWI Seismic Research Centre reported that the earthquake occurred at 7:50 pm local time at a depth of 44 km.

This advisory was issued as TS Melissa is slowly moving towards the island and is strengthening into a hurricane with life threatening winds.

Melissa is also expected to produce heavy rainfall across portions of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, further posing risks of life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across communities.

The rainfall caused flooding in several key areas, including Jennings, Follies, Pigotts, and Golden Grove.

Authorities warn that saturated soil increases the risk of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

A weak trough is expected to bring periods of cloudiness and scattered showers, though heavier rainfall is likely to remain south of Dominica.

The watch has described that flooding is possible within the forecast period.

Moisture and instability from a trough will affect Dominica, bringing showers and the potential for isolated thunderstorms.

The centre also predicted that the intense density of the Tropical Storm will reach its peak which will remain below the intensity of Hurricane.

Tropical Storm Jerry is set to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves across the Gulf Coast, with winds of 65 mph and a tropical storm watch in effect for the northern Leeward Islands.

Several videos circulated on social media show visible roof damage and scattered debris around the affected houses.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch for Bermuda, with inclement conditions expected to last for two days.

The disturbance is moving northwest at a speed of 7 miles per hour.

Officials have urged residents to remain alert for sudden weather changes that could bring gusty winds and localized street or flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.