A hurricane warning is in effect for Eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas as the storm passes over Jamaica, while a tropical storm warning is in place for Haiti and Turks and Caicos as Melissa is forecasted to cause heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to flash-flooding and landslides in the region over the next two days.

With slow-moving Tropical Storm Melissa expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane as soon as Saturday as it churns towards Jamaica and southwest Haiti, the United Nations said Friday it's actively helping the Caribbean respond to any devastation.

Tropical Storm Melissa remains nearly stationary over the north-central Caribbean Sea, but signs point to strengthening in the coming days. While the storm is s