Tropical Storm Melissa is in the Central Caribbean Sea and could bring heavy rain to Jamaica throughout the week. Melissa is fighting against wind shear, which is making it harder to get stronger. However, warm ocean water and lower wind shear could help it strengthen in the next few days.

Tropical Storm Melissa is crawling through the Caribbean Sea, threatening to unleash life-threatening flooding and mudslides across parts of the Caribbean later this week. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is not over yet, and Melissa has plenty of time and fuel ahead. If you see one, experts say the best course of action is to kill it safely.

Tropical Storm Melissa formed in the central Caribbean Oct. 21. The storm is expected to strengthen, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Melissa is slamming eastern Cuba on Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, after hammering Jamaica on Tuesday and causing widespread damage.

Historic, life-threatening flash flooding and landslides are expected in portions of Jamaica, southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic through the weekend, the NHC said. Peak storm surge heights could reach 9 to 13 feet above normal tide levels in Jamaica, accompanied by large and powerfully destructive waves.

The NHC said in its advisory on the storm: "A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the southern peninsula of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince. The government of Jamaica has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the island."

"The chances of a direct U.S. hit from Melissa are low right now, but it is still an option, should the tropical system make it into the western Caribbean," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva.

"Strong westerly winds, driven by the jet stream, should prevent the storm from tracking into Texas, Louisiana and the panhandles of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida next week," according to AccuWeather. Forecasters encourage residents to monitor the tropics and to always be prepared.