Hurricane Melissa Barrels Towards Jamaica, Threatening Catastrophic Damage

A powerful Category 4 hurricane, Melissa, is closing in on Jamaica, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that could cause catastrophic damage. The storm’s slow movement is expected to exacerbate the situation, with forecasters warning of prolonged periods of heavy rain and strong winds.

Current Status of Hurricane Melissa

As of Monday, Hurricane Melissa is located about 125 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 145 miles per hour. The storm is expected to intensify into a top-level Category 5 storm, with winds reaching up to 155 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of “catastrophic flooding” and “storm surge” along Jamaica’s southern coastline, with surge levels predicted to reach 7-11 feet above ground level ¹ ².

Impact on Jamaica

The Jamaican government has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and is preparing for the worst. Emergency generators, fuel reserves, and medical supplies are being pre-positioned across critical areas. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for several coastal areas, and residents are being advised to seek shelter immediately.

Expected Damage

The NHC has warned of:

• Catastrophic Winds: Hurricane-force winds could cause widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, and vegetation.
• Flooding: Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding and landslides, especially in areas with saturated ground.
• Storm Surge: Coastal flooding and damage from storm surges could be severe, especially in low-lying areas.

Regional Impact

The storm’s impact is expected to be felt beyond Jamaica, with Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic also facing potential threats. The storm could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to these areas, leading to further damage and disruption ¹ ².

Death Toll and Evacuations

At least four people have been killed in the Dominican Republic and Haiti due to storm-related conditions. The Jamaican government has urged residents to take necessary precautions and evacuate to safer areas, and international airports in Kingston have been closed