Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a Category 5 storm and is approaching Jamaica, posing a significant threat of severe flooding, landslides, and extensive destruction. This storm is anticipated to be the most powerful hurricane to hit the island since weather records began in 1851.
Already responsible for seven fatalities in the northern Caribbean, Melissa is projected to reach Jamaica early Tuesday before moving on to Cuba and then the Bahamas later in the day. The United States is not expected to be directly impacted by this storm.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his concerns about the impending disaster, stating, “I have been on my knees in prayer.” As of Monday night, Melissa was located approximately 245 kilometers southwest of Kingston and 535 kilometers southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. The storm boasted sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour and was moving at a slow pace west-northwest, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The hurricane center warned of the potential for up to 76 centimeters of rain in eastern Jamaica and 40 centimeters in western Haiti, leading to the likelihood of “catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides.” Residents were strongly advised to remain in safe shelters and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
Despite evacuation orders issued for vulnerable areas in Jamaica and preparations made to transport residents to safe locations, concerns were raised about inadequate shelter compliance. Anticipating a storm surge of up to four meters in coastal Kingston, where critical infrastructure such as the main international airport and power plants are situated, authorities emphasized the importance of following evacuation protocols and staying indoors during the storm.
The slow-moving Hurricane Melissa has already caused three fatalities in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with two additional deaths reported in Jamaica. The storm is expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba after impacting Jamaica. Areas in Cuba were under hurricane warnings, with significant rainfall and storm surge forecasts.
Jamaica’s meteorological service warned that the cleanup and damage assessment post-Melissa would be significantly delayed due to expected landslides, flooding, and blocked roads. Historical data show that a Category 4 or higher storm has not made landfall in Jamaica in the past 174 years.
Melissa has also caused significant damage in the Dominican Republic, with over 750 homes affected and thousands of people displaced. Schools and government offices remained closed in several provinces, and access to communities was restricted due to floodwaters.
In Haiti, the storm destroyed crops and disrupted access to farmland and markets, impacting food security for millions of people already facing hunger crises. Melissa is forecasted to continue dumping heavy rain over southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic in the coming days.
