#hispaniola

This animation encapsulates why slow moving storms like #Melissa are so dangerous for mountainous islands like #Hispaniola (#Haiti & #DR) If NHC is correct this will move ~3 mph or slower. But even if the storm moves a little faster, especially if this storm ends up being a near/direct hit to Hispaniola, the collision between the tropical moisture and the mountains can be disastrous. This is our Hi-Res GRAF model. It shows a direct hit, but a faster moving storm. In just 72 hours it shows totals over 3 feet. Imagine if it moves even slower! Either way water cascades from the higher terrain downward into the valley villages, causing massive floods and mudslides. Now, we may avoid this outcome with the right track, but we must be prepared for the worst. Folks, if you are in the central Greater Antilles, take this storm seriously! Melissa doesn’t have to become a hurricane to be incredibly destructive. Worth noting, in 2016 Hurricane Matthew killed over 600 people in Haiti. #Caribbean