U.S. forecasters have placed Jamaica under a hurricane warning as Hurricane Melissa escalates into a major storm. The system is posing significant risks of catastrophic flooding across the northern Caribbean.
Hurricane Melissa’s Strength and Path
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Melissa’s maximum sustained winds reached 185 km/h, categorizing it as a Category 3 hurricane. Forecasters anticipate rapid intensification over the weekend, projecting that it will make landfall in Jamaica early next week.
The storm is currently situated approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 455 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Melissa is moving west at a speed of 6 km/h.
Potential Rainfall and Flooding
Hurricane Melissa is expected to unleash up to 1,000 millimeters of rain on Jamaica by Wednesday. The southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic are also forecasted to receive similar amounts of rain, with life-threatening flooding and landslides possible.
- Jamaica: Up to 1,000 mm of rain
- Haiti: Up to 700 mm of rain, particularly in southwestern areas
- Dominican Republic: Catastrophic rainfall expected
- Cuba: Up to 30 cm of rain
Impact and Preparedness Measures
In preparation for the storm, all airports in Jamaica are set to close within 24 hours of the warning. Authorities have activated more than 650 shelters and ensured that warehouses are stocked with essential supplies.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to take the impending weather threat seriously. “Take all measures to protect yourself,” he advised.
Casualties and Damage Reported
Hurricane Melissa has already caused fatalities, including three deaths in Haiti and another in the Dominican Republic. The storm has resulted in significant infrastructure damage:
- Nearly 200 homes in the Dominican Republic damaged
- Water supply systems affected, impacting over 500,000 people
- Reports of flooding, rising river levels, and destroyed bridges in northeast Haiti
- Small landslides and downed trees in affected areas
Haitian authorities have expressed concern over the storm’s trajectory, and local officials are organizing food distribution for those in need. Contrary to this, many residents remain hesitant to evacuate their homes.
Outlook and Future Predictions
Hurricane Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which occurs from June 1 to November 30. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had previously forecasted an active season, predicting 13 to 18 named storms overall.
As the situation develops, communities must remain vigilant and prepared for Melissa’s impact, as the storm promises to deliver severe weather conditions for days to come.
