Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica: With winds of 185 mph, the Category 5 storm makes a historic landfall.
As the strongest storm to ever hit Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa made a devastating entry into history by striking the island as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour. Melissa is one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in the Atlantic Basin, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
An Unprecedented Landfall
Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, Tuesday at around 1 p.m. ET, bringing with it lethal storm surge, unrelenting rain, and devastating winds. An hour later, sustained winds of 165 mph and considerably higher gusts were still present, making the storm a “extremely dangerous” Category 5 system.
The hurricane, which is moving slowly at 8 mph, has devastated the island, toppling trees, flooding neighborhoods, and causing extensive damage in its path.
NHC meteorologists warned that catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge are affecting a significant portion of the island, characterizing the situation as “life-threatening.” Emergency services find it difficult to access affected areas because of debris and heavy floods, and several districts have lost power and communication links.
Authorities Ask Citizens to Remain Inside
Even when the winds seem to temporarily subside, authorities are still urging locals to stay indoors and refrain from venturing outside during the storm’s eye.
The National Hurricane Center issued a warning, saying, “Do not leave your shelter as the eye passes over, as winds will quickly and rapidly increase on the other side.” “Go to an interior room without windows, ideally away from trees, to protect oneself from flying debris and structural damage. For increased safety, don a helmet and cover yourself with a mattress.
Thousands of individuals displaced by the storm are being housed in local emergency shelters throughout Jamaica, which are at capacity. As the heavy rains continue into the night, officials worry that landslides and flooding may get worse.
Growing Death Toll in the Caribbean
At least seven deaths in the Caribbean have already been attributed to Hurricane Melissa.
Over the weekend, flash flooding and landslides caused by heavy rain in Haiti claimed three lives. Authorities in Jamaica have verified three storm-related deaths prior to the hurricane’s impact, while one person died and another is still unaccounted for in the Dominican Republic.
Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica
Officials caution that while assessments continue, the number of victims may increase due to ongoing rescue attempts and communication lines being cut in various areas.
An urgent travel advisory is issued by the US State Department.
For American people in the path of the storm, the U.S. State Department has issued an urgent warning.
The department wrote on X (previously Twitter), “If you’re in an area projected to be in the storm’s path, depart ASAP if still possible.” “Americans should prepare to shelter in place if they choose to stay.”
Later this week, Melissa is expected to continue its destructive route through the Caribbean, posing a threat to the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba. Officials are keeping a tight eye on the situation.
Over Jamaica, Melissa is still a Category 5 hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa is still a Category 5 storm as it moves across western Jamaica, despite some weakening after impact. At 2 p.m. ET, the most recent NHC alert stated that the storm was roughly 20 miles southwest of Montego Bay. Melissa is predicted to continue north-northeast at 8 mph, passing over Jamaica before re-emerging over the Caribbean Sea, with sustained winds continuing close to 165 mph.
Melissa will continue to be a “extremely dangerous major hurricane” as it moves toward southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas, according to forecasters, although it will gradually diminish while the storm’s center is still over land.
Getting Ready for What’s Next
The emphasis now turns to rescue, recovery, and preparedness as Hurricane Melissa continues to wreak havoc on Jamaica. The storm is among the most catastrophic storms in Caribbean history due to its record-breaking gusts, heavy rainfall, and extensive flooding. As the hurricane continues its lethal march across the Atlantic, locals are asked to prioritize safety, pack emergency supplies, and pay attention to official updates.
