Hurricane Melissa has rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 storm, packing sustained winds of up to 140 miles per hour, as it crawls toward Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Forecasters warn of catastrophic and life-threatening flooding and landslides across Jamaica and southern Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) due to the storm’s slow movement and expected deluge of rain. The potential impact of Hurricane Melissa Jamaica is severe.
Hurricane Melissa Intensifies Rapidly
Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has undergone extreme rapid intensification over the past 24 hours. By Saturday evening, it had become a Category 3 hurricane with 115 mph winds. The storm continued to strengthen, reaching Category 4 status with winds up to 140 mph by Sunday morning, and there is a possibility it could intensify further to Category 5. Its slow westward motion, moving at speeds as low as 1-3 mph, means it will linger over affected areas for an extended period, prolonging the dangerous impacts of Hurricane Melissa Jamaica.
Catastrophic Rainfall and Landslide Risk Jamaica
Forecasters predict that Melissa will dump a staggering amount of rain across the region. Jamaica and parts of southern Hispaniola are expected to receive 15 to 30 inches of rainfall through midweek, with isolated areas potentially receiving as much as 40 inches. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that this rainfall will likely cause catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. The mountainous terrain of Jamaica, particularly the Blue Mountains, could exacerbate this risk, turning rainfall into rapid downhill surges and increasing the likelihood of landslides that could block roads and isolate communities during this Hurricane Melissa Jamaica event.
Impacts on Jamaica: Evacuations and Closures for Hurricane Melissa Jamaica
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Jamaica, signifying that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Jamaican officials have urged residents to take the threat seriously and prepare immediately for Hurricane Melissa Jamaica. Prime Minister Andrew Holness stressed the importance of preparation, stating, “Now is the time to be prepared”. More than 650 emergency shelters have been activated across the island, and warehouses are reportedly well-stocked for the incoming Caribbean storm.
In preparation for the storm’s arrival, authorities announced the closure of Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston on Saturday evening. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Ian Fleming International Airport also faced closures, with airlines like JetBlue cancelling flights to and from the island for Sunday and Monday. All seaports have also been closed. Hurricane preparation is paramount for Hurricane Melissa Jamaica.
Regional Devastation and Fatalities
While Melissa’s full force is bearing down on Jamaica, the storm has already had a devastating impact on neighboring countries. At least three people have died in Haiti, and a fourth person has been confirmed dead in the Dominican Republic. These nations have also reported significant damage, including destroyed homes, downed trees, and infrastructure disruptions. Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula has seen catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.
Forecast and Future Outlook for Hurricane Melissa Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is expected to move near or over Jamaica by Monday night or Tuesday, and could potentially make landfall as a major hurricane. After impacting Jamaica, the storm is forecast to turn northward and northeastward, potentially moving near or over eastern Cuba by midweek. Interests in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are advised to monitor future forecasts as the storm’s path could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to those areas early next week. The storm is not expected to have major impacts on the mainland United States. The Jamaica hurricane threat is very real.
The slow-moving nature of Hurricane Melissa, combined with its rapid intensification, presents a dire situation for the northern Caribbean. Officials and meteorologists are urging all residents in the path of the storm to prioritize safety and complete all necessary preparations immediately. The news continues to develop as the storm approaches Jamaica.