Tropical Storm Melissa is lumbering through the Caribbean Sea and bringing a risk of dangerous landslides and life-threatening flooding to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola.

Melissa has already turned deadly across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, but AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the worst may be yet to come with the storm on track to intensify.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami warned of "life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides" throughout Hispaniola.

Unlike other storms in this hurricane season, Melissa is likely to have a devastating effect on some of the most populated islands in the Caribbean.

Melissa is expected to strengthen from a tropical storm into a major hurricane this weekend, bringing “life-threatening and catastrophic” flash flooding and landslides to the Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Melissa formed in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday as forecasters warned that heavy rain and flooding could hit Haiti and Jamaica later this week.

Lakou's opening comes at a time when Little Haiti has seen a wave of redevelopment, rising rents and an owner-occupancy rate to about 10 percent. And at the same time, the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust is creating a strategic plan to keep residents in the neighborhood while attracting businesses and amenities they would enjoy.

Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 4 storm, prompting Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas to evacuate low-lying areas. Record rainfall is expected, with authorities preparing for floods and landslides.