Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 5 storm, unleashing torrential rains and threatening catastrophic flooding as it bears down on Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. Forecasters at the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warn that Hurricane Melissa, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 160 mph, is expected to make landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday, marking it as potentially the most powerful hurricane in the island’s recorded history. This developing news comes as many communities are still recovering from previous severe weather events. The impending Hurricane Melissa poses a significant threat.
Hurricane Melissa’s Explosive Intensification and Forecast Path
Hurricane Melissa has undergone “extreme rapid intensification” over the weekend, transforming from a tropical storm into a major hurricane in a matter of hours. As of Monday evening, the storm’s center was situated approximately 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, moving at a painstakingly slow pace of about 5 mph. This sluggish movement is a significant concern for Hurricane Melissa, as it prolongs the period during which areas in its path will endure punishing conditions, exacerbating the risk of devastating rainfall and landslides. The potential Hurricane Melissa impact is dire.
The projected track indicates that Hurricane Melissa will move near or over Jamaica by Tuesday, then traverse southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night, before heading across the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. This trajectory means the storm’s destructive core will bring sustained hurricane-force winds and torrential downpours to multiple nations, highlighting the widespread danger of Hurricane Melissa.
Jamaica on High Alert for Catastrophic Impacts from Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is bracing for what could be its most severe hurricane impact ever. The NHC forecasts rainfall totals of 15 to 30 inches across the island, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 40 inches. The combination of this deluge and Jamaica’s mountainous terrain heightens the risk of catastrophic flash flooding and widespread landslides, a severe Hurricane Melissa impact. Forecasters also warn of a life-threatening Caribbean storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along Jamaica’s southern coast, a scenario that could cause severe coastal inundation, particularly in low-lying areas and exposed harbors like Kingston.
In preparation, Jamaica’s two main international airports, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, have been closed. Authorities have activated over 650 to 900 storm shelters across the island and urged residents, especially those in flood-prone and coastal communities, to seek safety immediately due to the threat of Hurricane Melissa. The NHC has explicitly warned of “extensive infrastructural damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation of communities” from Hurricane Melissa.
Wider Caribbean Gripped by Hurricane Melissa’s Fury
The outer bands of Hurricane Melissa have already begun to impact Haiti and the Dominican Republic, leading to significant rainfall and landslides. At least four deaths have been attributed to these conditions in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with one person still reported missing. The storm has caused damage to homes and infrastructure in the Dominican Republic, displacing thousands and cutting off access to numerous communities. Haiti has also reported crop destruction amidst a severe hunger crisis, a testament to Hurricane Melissa’s destructive capabilities.
Cuba is also under hurricane warnings for several provinces, with forecasts predicting heavy rainfall and significant storm surges. The southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are expected to experience hurricane conditions by Wednesday, facing the wrath of Hurricane Melissa.
Official Response and Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Melissa
National emergency management agencies, meteorological services, and humanitarian organizations are working in tandem to respond to the escalating crisis presented by Hurricane Melissa. In Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is coordinating efforts, while international bodies like UNICEF and the Red Cross have pre-positioned supplies and are supporting evacuations and shelter operations. Officials, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister Daryl Vaz, have urged citizens to take the threat with the utmost seriousness and adhere to all safety directives regarding Hurricane Melissa.
As Hurricane Melissa continues its slow crawl, the Caribbean region faces a period of extreme danger. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow all guidance from local authorities to ensure their safety from the impending Hurricane Melissa.