Life-threatening storm surge is becoming more likely along the south coast of Jamaica later in the weekend or early next week. Peak storm surge heights could reach 7 to 11 feet above ground level, near and to the east of where the center of Melissa makes landfall. This storm surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

Forecasters are monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to become a “major” hurricane by the end of the weekend.

"We will be very fortunate if Melissa does not cause a humanitarian disaster in the northern Caribbean next week," said Dr. Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, who works with the USA...