Key Takeaways
- Hurricane Melissa strengthened to Category 4, may hit Category 5
- Threatens catastrophic flooding in Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic
- At least 4 fatalities already reported in Haiti and Dominican Republic
- Jamaican airports closed, 650+ shelters activated
Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a dangerous Category 4 storm and could reach Category 5 strength as it approaches Jamaica, threatening catastrophic flooding across the northern Caribbean. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns the storm could unleash up to 40 inches of torrential rain, with Jamaica expected to bear the brunt late Monday or Tuesday.
“Conditions (in Jamaica) are going to go down rapidly today,” Jamie Rhome, the center’s deputy director, said on Sunday. “Be ready to ride this out for several days.”
As of Sunday morning, Melissa was centered about 110 miles south of Kingston with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The slow-moving system threatens extensive infrastructure damage, power outages, and isolation of communities across Jamaica.
Emergency Preparations Underway
Jamaica has closed both international airports and activated over 650 shelters. Officials are considering mandatory evacuations as many residents in flood-prone areas haven’t heeded voluntary evacuation advice.
“The question of the mandatory movement will soon be addressed,” Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s disaster response lead, stated during a press conference.
Emergency warehouses are well-stocked with thousands of pre-positioned food packages for quick distribution. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica warns of potential flooding in every parish.
“There is potential (for) flooding in every parish of our country,” said Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. “If you’re in a flood prone, low-lying area, you need to take note.”
Regional Impacts and Fatalities
The storm has already claimed at least four lives – three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. In Haiti, rising rivers have destroyed bridges and flooded communities, while many residents remain reluctant to evacuate.
The Dominican Republic reports nearly 200 homes damaged, water systems knocked out affecting over 500,000 customers, and two dozen communities isolated by floodwaters.
Foreign governments are evacuating their citizens, with Antigua and Barbuda housing 52 students at a Kingston hotel. Other Caribbean students have also sought refuge there.
“They have a better bounce back regimen here (at the hotel) in terms of standby power and water (in comparison with university dorms),” said Jewel Moore, a chemistry student at UWI Mona.
Forecast Path and Hurricane Season Context
Melissa is expected to approach Cuba by late Tuesday before moving toward the Bahamas by Wednesday. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology warns the storm could bring hurricane conditions to southeastern islands and Turks and Caicos.
This marks the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, matching NOAA’s prediction of an above-normal season with 13-18 named storms. The season continues through November 30.
