Hurricane Melissa is poised to make landfall in Jamaica, according to an update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) released around 11 a.m. ET. The storm, which is currently generating maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, has already begun unleashing “catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge” across the island.
An urgent advisory issued at 10 a.m. ET described the situation as “extremely dangerous and life-threatening,” urging residents to seek shelter immediately. The advisory warned that failing to secure adequate shelter could lead to serious injury or loss of life. It also cautioned that those in Jamaica experiencing the eye of the storm should not leave their safe spots, as winds can escalate rapidly with the passage of Melissa.
The NHC has indicated that there will be little change in the storm’s intensity before it reaches Jamaica, where it is expected to arrive as a major hurricane. Following its impact on Jamaica, Melissa will continue to threaten southeastern Cuba and remain a formidable storm as it crosses into the southeastern Bahamas. Fortunately, the storm is not projected to impact the U.S. mainland.
Tragically, Hurricane Melissa has already been linked to at least seven fatalities. Over the weekend, three people lost their lives in Haiti, while another individual died in the Dominican Republic, where one more person remains unaccounted for. In Jamaica, preliminary reports indicate that at least three people have died prior to the hurricane’s arrival.
As the storm approaches, residents and officials are advised to stay updated via live blogs and local news for the latest information regarding its trajectory and associated impacts.