UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified, now boasting maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, prompting urgent warnings across the Caribbean. U.S. forecasters have issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica, anticipating catastrophic flooding and life-threatening conditions within the next 36 hours.
As of now, Melissa is located approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and is expected to approach the island early next week. The storm is moving slowly westward at 3 mph, raising alarms for severe weather impacts, including torrential rain that could reach up to 25 inches in Jamaica and even higher amounts in parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The situation is dire, with the U.S. National Hurricane Center warning that Melissa could escalate to a major hurricane by tomorrow and possibly achieve Category 4 status by early Monday. “Unfortunately for places along the projected path of this storm, it is increasingly dire,” stated Jamie Rhome, the center’s deputy director.
Authorities report that the slow-moving storm has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with additional reports of missing persons. The risk of landslides and flooding is escalating, especially in Haiti’s Tiburon peninsula, where up to 35 inches of rain is anticipated.
In response, more than 650 shelters have been activated across Jamaica, where officials are urging residents to take this weather threat seriously. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the need for preparedness: “Take all measures to protect yourself.” The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is set to close at 8 p.m. local time, with additional closures likely as conditions worsen.
Cuban authorities have also issued a hurricane watch for several provinces, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin. The storm is projected to impact eastern Cuba by early Wednesday, potentially dropping up to 12 inches of rain.
The humanitarian impact is already evident; reports indicate rising river levels and extensive damage, including nearly 200 homes affected in the Dominican Republic. The situation is compounded by the storm’s disruption of water supply systems, leaving over 500,000 customers without access to clean water.
Local authorities are on high alert, with food distribution efforts underway in Haiti, where many residents remain hesitant to evacuate despite growing threats. “The storm is causing a lot of concern with the way it’s moving,” remarked Ronald Délice, a Haitian civil protection official.
With the Atlantic hurricane season ongoing until November 30, Hurricane Melissa represents the 13th named storm of the season, which has been predicted by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be above normal.
As conditions continue to evolve, residents across the affected regions are urged to stay informed and prepared for extreme weather impacts. The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Melissa closely, confirming that “Jamaica prep should be completed today,” emphasizing the risks of multi-day damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops.
