Tropical Storm Melissa may appear to be struggling as it slowly swirls in the Caribbean, but it is expected to become a hurricane by Friday and a Category 4 storm next week.

Tropical Storm Melissa is on track to threaten Haiti as a hurricane over the weekend, bringing heavy rains and life-threatening flooding to the island nation. Jamaica and Cuba also could feel the effects as the storm meanders slowly north in the Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a major Category 4 hurricane as it meanders throughout the Caribbean Sea, bringing heavy rains and potentially deadly flooding to some of the islands in that region.

Tropical Storm Melissa continued Thursday its slow push north in the Caribbean, expected to grow into a major hurricane as it nears Jamaica, but its long-term path including what effects it might

A new tropical storm has formed over the central Caribbean. Melissa could strengthen later this week as it moves toward Haiti and Jamaica.