News Summary
Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 storm, posing severe threats to Jamaica and surrounding areas. With expected rainfall of up to 40 inches and wind speeds reaching 160 mph, residents are urged to seek shelter as the storm approaches. Flash flooding and landslides are anticipated as the storm makes landfall late Monday into early Tuesday, with impacts extending to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Emergency preparations are underway as officials monitor the dangerous situation closely.
Hurricane Melissa Strengthens to Category 5, Set to Deliver Devastating Impact to Jamaica and Beyond
Kingston, Jamaica – Hurricane Melissa intensified to a Category 5 storm early Monday morning, posing a severe threat to Jamaica and surrounding regions. Forecasters warn of potential devastation as the storm is expected to bring up to 40 inches of rain, with average rainfall expected to range between 15 to 30 inches across the island.
Residents of Jamaica can expect 9 to 13 feet of storm surge along the southern coast, accompanied by maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 160 mph. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for catastrophic flash flooding, life-threatening landslides, and strong winds across the Caribbean, with the most dangerous weather anticipated to commence on Monday and continue into Tuesday.
Hurricane Melissa is projected to make landfall in Jamaica late Monday into early Tuesday. As it progresses, the storm will weaken to a Category 3 as it traverses southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night, and further downgrade to a Category 2 storm by Wednesday as it approaches the southeastern Bahamas.
Current Situation and Emergency Preparations
As of Monday morning, Hurricane Melissa was located approximately 135 miles southwest of Kingston. In mountainous areas of Jamaica, wind speeds could exceed 200 mph due to elevation effects. The storm has already claimed at least four lives, with three fatalities reported in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic from incidents related to falling trees and landslides.
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, Jamaican officials are urging residents to seek shelter. By Sunday night, 218 people were already in shelters, with all 881 shelters open but many still not at full capacity. Residents have engaged in preparation measures, including boarding up windows and filling fuel canisters to prepare for potential power outages and disruptions.
Impact on Tourism and Nearby Regions
The storm has already disrupted tourism, with reports of turbulence faced by tourists attempting to flee Jamaica. Some, like tourist Nicole Doyon, were unable to evacuate in time due to a lack of available options. The impending storm poses significant danger not just to Jamaica but also extends to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where severe flooding and landslides are anticipated by midweek.
A hurricane watch has been issued for the central and southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Meteorologists expect Hurricane Melissa may continue to strengthen, experiencing fluctuating intensity as it approaches landfall.
Historical Context
Hurricane Melissa is noted as the most powerful storm to impact the region since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. This season has already witnessed three Category 5 storms, marking the highest rate of such storms since 2005. Moreover, Melissa is recognized as the latest Category 5 storm in the Atlantic hurricane season since Hurricane Mitch in 1998.
Parts of Jamaica have already begun experiencing effects prior to the official landfall of Hurricane Melissa, with reports indicating rising tides and ongoing storm surge. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the storm progresses, providing updates and instructions for residents and those in surrounding areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Washington Post: Hurricane Melissa Update
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Melissa
- NBC News: Hurricane Melissa Intensifies
- Google Search: Hurricane Melissa
- ABC News: Hurricane Melissa Bears Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Melissa
- Fox Weather: Hurricane Melissa Overview
- Google News: Hurricane Melissa
- Weather.com: Hurricane Melissa Live Blog
- AP News: Hurricane Melissa Coverage
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