Caribbean nations initiated widespread cleanup efforts Wednesday following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas sustained significant damage from the storm’s powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and storm surges.
Melissa initially made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane, prompting the government to declare a national disaster. The U.S. Hurricane Center (NHC) classified it among the most intense hurricanes ever observed in the Atlantic basin. While the storm weakened as it moved across the region,its impact remains substantial,with recovery operations underway and forecasts predicting a close pass near Bermuda Thursday evening.
The hurricane brought damaging winds and heavy rains to Jamaica, causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Authorities have not yet released a complete assessment of the devastation, but early reports indicate significant disruption to essential services.
Melissa continued its path northwestward,striking Cuba on Tuesday with hurricane-force winds. The storm than moved over the Bahamas on Wednesday, though diminished to a Category 1, still delivering impactful winds and rainfall.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Melissa was reclassified as a Category 2 hurricane and projected to pass near Bermuda Thursday evening. Residents are preparing for potential impacts, including strong winds and high waves. The NHC continues to monitor the storm’s trajectory and intensity, providing updated forecasts and warnings.
