WILLEMSTAD - Tropical Storm Melissa, currently located over the central Caribbean Sea, is slowly strengthening and could reach hurricane status by Thursday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Data from a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft indicated that as of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday (Miami time), the storm was centered near latitude 14.3° North and longitude 73.5° West. Melissa is moving very slowly west-northwestward at a speed of only 4 kilometers per hour.

The NHC expects the storm to gradually shift northwestward later Wednesday and Thursday, and then turn north-northwestward, putting its projected path toward Jamaica and southwestern Haiti later this week.

At present, Melissa’s maximum sustained winds are around 85 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts recorded. Meteorologists anticipate further intensification over the next 24 hours, potentially bringing the system to hurricane strength by Thursday.

There are no warnings or watches currently in effect for Curaçao or the other Leeward Antilles. Regional meteorological agencies continue to closely monitor the situation and advise residents to stay informed as the system develops.