Hurricane Melissa continues to make headlines as it approaches Jamaica as a powerful category five storm. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that Melissa is expected to shift to a northerly and then a northeasterly path overnight, potentially making landfall in Jamaica with devastating effects. The storm is forecasted to bring catastrophic damage, with projected wind speeds maintaining at category four or five levels.
Jamaica is bracing for severe weather impacts, including rainfall amounts between 15 to 30 inches, leading to possible flash flooding and landslides. The storm surge could reach heights of 9 to 13 feet along Jamaica’s southern coast, while the northern coast may experience some less severe impacts as Melissa continues its trajectory northward. After affecting Jamaica, the hurricane is anticipated to cross over eastern Cuba early Wednesday morning, where it will likely weaken to a category three before moving over the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos later in the week.
As Hurricane Melissa approaches, a significant cold front is also making its way through Florida. Tonight, residents can expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in Martin County and northern Palm Beach County, as this cold front moves through the region. The front is set to bring heavy rainfall that will taper off overnight, transitioning into cooler and drier conditions.
Forecasters predict even stronger cold fronts later in the week, with a more substantial front expected to descend from Texas into the Gulf Coast, arriving in Florida by Wednesday night. This will lead to cooler temperatures, with highs transitioning to the 60s and 70s by mid-week and nighttime lows dipping down into the 50s.
As Florida gears up for a weather shift with the oncoming cold front, the overall impact from Hurricane Melissa is projected to remain offshore, preventing significant disruptions in the United States. The anticipation of cooler temperatures following the storm suggests a refreshing change for Floridians, just in time for Halloween celebrations.