URGENT UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has intensified rapidly, escalating from a Category 2 to a Category 4 storm in just hours, according to the National Hurricane Center. The powerful storm is currently situated about 120 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and is moving west at a sluggish 5 mph.
This rapid intensification is alarming as Melissa is projected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, potentially as a major Category 4 hurricane. Forecast models indicate that the storm may then cross over Cuba that night and continue towards the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday.
The slow movement of Hurricane Melissa poses a significant threat, with predictions of devastating rainfall across the region. Jamaica and Hispaniola are bracing for an astonishing 15 to 30 inches of rain, while eastern Cuba faces between 6 and 12 inches through Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center warns that this deluge could trigger life-threatening flash floods and landslides.
“The impact of rainfall and potential flooding could be catastrophic,” officials said, urging residents to take precautions.
Additionally, dangerous storm surges are expected along Jamaica’s southern coast, heightening the risk of coastal flooding. As the storm continues to strengthen, there are concerns it could reach Category 5 intensity by Sunday night.
Currently, Jamaica is under a hurricane warning, while a hurricane watch is in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti and southeastern provinces of Cuba, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.
Residents are urged to prepare for the storm now, as Hurricane Melissa could bring severe consequences to the Caribbean region. Stay tuned for updates and follow official advisories from local authorities. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the storm progresses.
What to Watch For: People in the affected areas should monitor local news and the National Hurricane Center for real-time updates. Essential preparations must be made immediately to ensure safety ahead of the storm’s arrival.
