Key Takeaways
- Hurricane Melissa strengthened to Category 3, threatening catastrophic flooding
- At least 4 confirmed deaths in Haiti and Dominican Republic
- Jamaica prepares for direct hit with 650+ shelters activated
- Storm expected to drop up to 30 inches of rain in affected regions
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 3 storm, posing catastrophic flooding threats to Jamaica and southern Haiti. The slow-moving hurricane continues to strengthen as it approaches landfall early next week.
US forecasters warn Melissa will remain a major hurricane when it hits Jamaica, then move toward Cuba by mid-week. The storm’s erratic movement and prolonged rainfall create extreme flood risks across the region.
Official Warnings and Preparations
“I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously,” said Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “Take all measures to protect yourself.”
Jamaican authorities have activated over 650 shelters and closed Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. Emergency warehouses are stocked with thousands of prepositioned food packages for rapid distribution.
The Cuban government issued hurricane watches for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Holguin provinces as the storm approaches.
Current Storm Status and Impacts
As of late Saturday, Melissa was located 125 miles south-southeast of Kingston with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. The storm moves west at just 3 mph, prolonging rainfall exposure.
“Unfortunately for places along the projected path of this storm, it is increasingly dire,” said Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director at the National Hurricane Center. He noted the storm will continue moving slowly for up to four days.
The hurricane has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with another person missing. In the Dominican Republic, nearly 200 homes suffered damage and water systems failed, affecting over 500,000 customers.
Additional impacts include downed trees, traffic lights, multiple landslides, and more than two dozen communities isolated by floodwaters.
