Tropical Storm Melissa has transformed into a hurricane and is anticipated to strengthen to at least Category 4 status, as stated by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). This storm presents a formidable risk to the Caribbean, particularly affecting Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, where residents are preparing for severe flooding, landslides, and storm surges in the approaching days.
Currently situated approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and around 250 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Hurricane Melissa boasts maximum sustained winds nearing 90 mph. A hurricane warning has been issued for Jamaica, while parts of Haiti and Cuba, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin, are under a hurricane watch.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on citizens to take precautionary measures, highlighting that the entire island will be impacted for several days. He urged residents in high-risk areas, such as Port Royal in Kingston, to evacuate, though no mandatory evacuation order has been established yet.
Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, predicts that Melissa will reach Jamaica as a Category 4 hurricane by Tuesday, with sustained winds ranging from 130 to 156 mph. Rainfall forecasts for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola suggest totals between 15 to 30 inches, with some localized areas potentially seeing up to 40 inches. Eastern Cuba is also expected to receive between 6 to 12 inches of rain, while storm surges along Jamaica’s south coast could reach heights of up to 13 feet.
In preparation for the storm, residents across the nation are stocking up on supplies and securing their properties. In Kingston, local fishermen and vendors are making final arrangements with their boats and merchandise. Community members express worry about the anticipated severity of the storm, with many comparing it to the damage caused by last year’s Hurricane Beryl.
The NHC indicates that Melissa is currently moving westward at a slow speed of 3 mph, intensifying concerns for those who are unprepared for such an extended threat. Clive Davis, a fisherman from Kingston, conveyed his anxiety over the prolonged impact, suggesting that the slow movement could lead to significant disruption in the region.
Despite the approaching threat, the spirit of resilience within Caribbean communities shines through, highlighting the critical importance of preparedness and support during challenging times. By banding together and taking necessary precautions, residents can work towards reducing the storm’s impact and providing mutual aid during this difficult period.