Tropical Storm Melissa is poised to intensify, potentially reaching major hurricane status by the late weekend or early next week as it hovers over the central Caribbean Sea. Residents and visitors in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic should brace themselves for the arrival of strong winds, torrential rainfall, and the heightened risk of flash flooding and landslides. Dangerous weather conditions are anticipated to commence as early as late Thursday or Friday, necessitating immediate preparedness measures.