Jamaica is bracing for the full impact of Hurricane Melissa. It has strengthened into a Category 5 storm. This is the most powerful level on the hurricane scale. It moves closer to the island.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is packing sustained winds of up to 160 mph (260 km/h). It will intensify further before making landfall. The storm is already blamed for four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Officials in Kingston have ordered mass evacuations of vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. They warn residents to prepare for catastrophic flooding and storm surges.
“This storm poses an extreme threat to life and property. We urge everyone in danger zones to move to shelters immediately,” said Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Widespread Evacuations and Warnings
The government has activated all 881 emergency shelters across the island. Residents of flood-prone communities should seek safety early. People in hillside areas have also been advised to seek safety early. The storm is expected to arrive on Monday night into Tuesday.
The NHC’s midday update placed Melissa about 135 miles (220 km) southwest of Kingston. It is moving slowly. Meteorologists warn that this increase in rainfall totals and worsen flooding.
Up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain are forecast for parts of Jamaica over the next four days. Life-threatening flash floods and landslides are predicted.
Already Deadly Across the Caribbean
The hurricane has already caused destruction on Hispaniola, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
- In Haiti, at least three people have died, and hundreds of homes have been inundated by rising waters.
- In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, one elderly man drowned. He was swept away by floodwaters. A 13-year-old boy remains missing. He was caught by strong sea currents.
Local rescuers continue to search for those trapped by floods or stranded in vehicles.
Jamaica Faces Its Greatest Test
Meteorologists warn that Melissa will become the most powerful hurricane ever to hit Jamaica. It will surpass previous record storms in both wind intensity and rainfall.
Large waves are already pounding Jamaica’s southern coastline. Forecasters expect storm surges to worsen late Monday and Tuesday. This is expected as the storm’s core moves closer.
Residents in Kingston and nearby parishes have been seen filling sandbags and boarding up homes in anticipation of the impact.
“This is not just another hurricane,” said Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie. “We are preparing for a worst-case scenario.”
Melissa is expected to move across southeastern Cuba by Tuesday night. She will reach the Bahamas on Wednesday. However, forecasters say the storm’s slow movement will prolong Jamaica’s exposure to its most dangerous winds and rain.
Regional Impact
Hurricane Melissa’s effects are expected to reach beyond Jamaica as the storm continues its path across the northern Caribbean. Southeastern Cuba, Haiti, and parts of the Dominican Republic are expected to experience heavy rainfall. Destructive winds and flash flooding are also possible in the coming days.
The southeastern Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, are under alert. The hurricane’s northward movement is bringing dangerous storm surges. Coastal damage is also expected by midweek.
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