March 17, 2026
The Hydrometeorological Unit of Haiti (HUH) issued an orange alert on Wednesday morning in response to the approach of Tropical Storm MELISSA. The alert specifically concerns the departments of the Greater South and the West, considered the areas most threatened by the system.
According to the latest observations, the storm was located about 485 kilometers south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, moving slowly toward the southern peninsula. This movement increases the likelihood of direct impacts on areas already weakened by recent heavy rains.
Rain bands associated with the system have begun to affect the southern part of the country, bringing localized thunderstorms and strong gusts of wind expected to intensify by the end of the day. Meteorologists forecast a shift in trajectory toward the northwest, which could further increase rainfall over vulnerable regions.
Starting Thursday morning, sustained rains are expected to hit the southern and western departments, with a significant risk of flooding and landslides. Authorities are urging the population to closely follow official instructions and remain prepared for any preventive evacuation measures.
