Residents in Haiti, Dominican Republic busy preparing for Tropical Storm Melissa

Locals across Hispaniola bracing for impact of Tropical Storm Melissa

Parts of the Caribbean are bracing for Tropical Storm Melissa.

A hurricane watch is in effect for parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti while Jamaica is under a tropical storm watch.

Noon report:

Topical Storm Melissa is slowing bearing down on Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Preparations are underway in parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic for flooding and mud slides.

The storm is expected to bring rain for at least the next six days, with rainfall totals reaching a foot or more on the southern coast of Hispaniola.

RELATED: Melissa forecast to rapidly strengthen into a major hurricane this weekend

The system is currently crawling north and waves are starting to slam against the shores of the Dominican Republic.

President Luis Abinader announced the closing of schools in nine provinces, and officials urged those living in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground.

In the meantime, locals are preparing to see the storm out and organizations like Plan Social are stepping up to help.

Some locals have already begun setting up in shelters.

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