Tropical Storm Melissa churning in Caribbean Sea

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) - Tropical Storm Melissa formed in the central Caribbean Sea yesterday with wind speeds at 50 mph. The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows Melissa slowly lurching northward in the coming days where it is expected to further organize and strengthen. Melissa could become a hurricane this weekend as it moves closer to Jamaica.

Fortunately, most models are showing Melissa slowly moving through the Caribbean Sea followed by a hard northerly turn towards the Atlantic next week. The forecast uncertainty is high at this time but this does not look like a threat to reach the Gulf.