Hurricane Melissa Strengthens to Category 4, Threatens Jamaica and Cuba
Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds, is barreling toward Jamaica and is expected to strengthen further before making landfall, potentially causing catastrophic damage and widespread flooding across the Caribbean.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports that Melissa is currently located about 125 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and is forecast to move over the island on Tuesday. Some areas of eastern Jamaica could receive up to 40 inches of rain, with western Haiti potentially seeing 16 inches. “Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely,” the NHC warned. The storm is also expected to cross southeastern Cuba Tuesday night and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. This storm arrives during a particularly active hurricane season, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness.
At least four deaths have already been attributed to the storm – three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, urged residents to take the threat seriously, stating, “I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously. Do not gamble with Melissa. It’s not a safe bet.” A hurricane warning is in effect for several Cuban provinces, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Holguin, with forecasts predicting up to 20 inches of rain and a significant storm surge. You can find more information about hurricane preparedness from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Officials warn that Melissa could be the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica in decades, potentially becoming the first Category 4 landfall in recent history. Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s transport minister, cautioned, “Don’t make foolish decisions. We are in a very, very serious time over the next few days.” The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization has also expressed concern about the impact on food security in Haiti, where more than half the population already faces crisis levels of hunger; learn more about the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the storm’s path and are preparing for widespread cleanup and damage assessment, which will likely be hampered by anticipated landslides and flooding.
