A major hurricane, Hurricane Melissa, is approaching the Caribbean with the potential to bring devastating flooding to Jamaica. The storm, now classified as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 145mph (230kph), is moving slowly westward. Forecasters predict that Hurricane Melissa will intensify to a Category 5 hurricane with winds exceeding 157mph (250kph) as it turns northeast towards Jamaica.
Expected to make landfall on Tuesday with wind speeds reaching up to 160mph (257kph), Hurricane Melissa could become one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit Jamaica in history. The last recorded hurricane of such magnitude occurred over 30 years ago in 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert struck Jamaica with winds of 130mph.
The US National Hurricane Center forecasts that after impacting Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa will move towards Cuba and then the southeastern Bahamas, bringing heavy rainfall. Jamaica and southern Hispaniola are likely to receive up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain, with localized areas expecting as much as 40 inches (1 meter).
As Jamaica prepares for the impending hurricane, a live stream video has been set up on YouTube to monitor the storm’s impact in Kingston. With the clock tower being a prominent landmark in the area, the live stream provides a view of the bustling traffic in Jamaica Street.
Jamaica faces multiple threats from Hurricane Melissa, including extreme rainfall leading to floods, damaging winds, and dangerous storm surges. Residents have been urged to seek shelter immediately as the storm is expected to bring catastrophic flash flooding and landslides before the arrival of devastating winds.
The heavy rainfall is anticipated to persist for several days, posing significant risks to life and property. Haiti is already experiencing the destructive impacts of the storm, with ongoing flooding and landslide concerns.