Tropical Storm Melissa has intensified into a hurricane and is projected to strengthen to at least Category 4 status, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm poses a significant threat to the Caribbean, particularly for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, where residents brace for catastrophic floods, landslides, and storm surges in the coming days.
Currently located about 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and approximately 250 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Hurricane Melissa has reached maximum sustained winds nearing 90 mph. A hurricane warning has been issued for Jamaica, with a hurricane watch in place for parts of Haiti and Cuba, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to prepare, emphasizing that the entire island will experience impacts lasting several days. He advised residents in vulnerable low-lying areas, such as Port Royal in Kingston, to evacuate, though a mandatory evacuation order has not yet been declared.
Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, indicated that Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday, with winds sustained between 130 to 156 mph. Rainfall estimates for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola range from 15 to 30 inches, with localized maximums possibly reaching 40 inches. Eastern Cuba is expected to see 6 to 12 inches of rain, and storm surges of up to 13 feet are anticipated along Jamaica’s south coast.
As the storm approaches, residents nationwide are gathering supplies and securing their homes. In the capital, fishermen and vendors are preparing their boats and merchandise before the storm strikes. Local community members express concern over the storm’s potential severity, with some fearing it could bring more damage than last year’s Hurricane Beryl.
The NHC reports that Melissa is currently moving westward at a slow pace of 3 mph, which raises concerns among individuals unprepared for the prolonged threat. Clive Davis, a fisherman from Kingston, expressed his apprehension about the storm’s extended presence, indicating that the slow-moving nature of hurricane Melissa could result in significant disruption.
The resilience of Caribbean communities in the face of such natural disasters is emphasized, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and solidarity during challenging times. By taking necessary precautions and coming together, residents can strive to minimize the storm’s impact and support each other through this tumultuous period.