Hurricane Melissa Strengthens, Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane, posing a significant risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides across the northern Caribbean. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported that Melissa is expected to approach the southern coast of Jamaica as a major hurricane by late Monday or early Tuesday morning, with the potential for further intensification into a Category 5 storm.

Authorities have emphasized the urgency of this situation, particularly for Jamaica and parts of Haiti. Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to take the approaching storm seriously, stating, “Take all measures to protect yourself.” The National Hurricane Center warned that the impacts could be “life-threatening and catastrophic,” particularly as rainfall could reach up to 30 inches in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with some areas possibly experiencing as much as 40 inches.

The storm’s path indicates it will likely reach Cuba by late Tuesday, where it could bring an additional 12 inches of rain. In anticipation, the Cuban government issued a hurricane watch for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.

As the storm progresses, it has already caused fatalities in the region. Reports indicate that at least three people have died in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with additional individuals reported missing. The slow-moving storm has resulted in significant damage, including nearly 200 homes damaged in the Dominican Republic, and widespread power and communication outages.

Authorities in Jamaica have activated over 650 shelters and prepared food packages for distribution. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is set to close at 20:00 local time on Saturday, although the status of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remains unclear.

Local officials have reported rising river levels and flooding in Haiti, where a collapsed wall injured five people. In the northeast, in the community of Sainte-Suzanne, floodwaters have destroyed a bridge, isolating several neighborhoods.

The storm has also disrupted essential services in the Dominican Republic, affecting the water supply for over half a million customers and leading to downed trees and traffic lights. Small landslides have occurred, and multiple communities remain cut off from assistance.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has warned that Melissa could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to the Southeast and Central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands early next week.

Hurricane Melissa marks the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had previously predicted an above-normal season, expecting between 13 to 18 named storms. As conditions evolve, the focus remains on the safety and preparedness of those in the storm’s path.