Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica with Life-Threatening Conditions
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Hurricane Melissa is rapidly intensifying and is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it tracks towards Jamaica, prompting urgent warnings of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports the cyclone currently has sustained winds of up to 120 mph (195 km/h) as of 06:00 GMT and is turning north-west in the Caribbean. Landfall is expected by Tuesday.
The NHC warns of potential power outages and notable infrastructure damage, with Melissa projected to deliver up to 30 inches (76cm) of rainfall and storm surges reaching as high as 13ft (4m) above ground level. Residents are being urged to “seek shelter now.”
While Melissa is anticipated to weaken slightly to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, the NHC emphasizes that the overall impact will be minimal, with the storm expected to remain “at least that intensity” upon hitting the island. Tropical storm-force winds and rain are already anticipated across central Jamaica, including the capital, Kingston, necessitating the immediate completion of preparations.
“A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides,” the NHC stated.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged public anxiety, stating, “I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.” He stressed the importance of preparedness as the best way to address these concerns. Residents are securing homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stocking up on essential supplies.
Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti, including the capital Port-au-Prince, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, where similar impacts are expected by mid-week. Tragically, landslides already attributed to the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation’s Civil Protection agency.
Melissa is the 13th hurricane of the atlantic season, which typically concludes in November. forecasts indicate the storm will pass over Cuba by Wednesday, weakening to a Category 3 storm, before moving through the Antillas Mayores and into the Atlantic.
Scientists note that while attributing individual events to climate change is complex, a warming climate is contributing to more frequent and severe weather phenomena. Warmer ocean temperatures provide increased moisture, fueling hurricane development. The US National oceanic and Atmospheric Management previously predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, citing warmer sea temperatures and increased monsoon activity off the coast of West Africa – a common origin point for Atlantic storms.
