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Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a major hurricane threatening Jamaica with catastrophic flooding, landslides, and destructive winds.
“Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a major Category 4 storm and is expected to strengthen further, potentially reaching Category 5, as it approaches Jamaica.”
Multiple outlets report Melissa at Category 4 strength with 140 mph (225 km/h) winds as it nears Jamaica.
Warnings indicate it could reach Category 5 before impact.
Officials have urged residents to take all necessary precautions as the storm sits just south-southeast of Kingston.
Forecasters warn of extreme rainfall and life-threatening hazards through early next week.
Jamaica Flood Emergency Response
Jamaica has moved into emergency mode.
Authorities closed Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport.
More than 650 shelters have been activated.
Food supplies have been prepositioned.
People in flood-prone zones have been urged to seek higher ground.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for residents to take the threat seriously.
Forecasts warn of prolonged, dangerous conditions.
Storm Impact on Hispaniola
The storm has already taken a deadly toll across Hispaniola, with at least four deaths reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
“Haiti has reported three deaths, five injuries, flooding, and infrastructure damage, including a destroyed bridge... U.S. forecasters have issued hurricane warnings for Jamaica...”
There has been widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage in the region.
In the Dominican Republic, authorities report nearly 200 damaged homes and water service disruptions affecting over half a million people.
Haiti has recorded fatalities, injuries, a destroyed bridge, and communities isolated by floods and landslides.
Severe Weather Forecast
Forecasts warn of extreme rain and surge, with 15–30 inches expected widely and localized maxima of 35–40 inches.
Destructive winds and dangerous storm surge are also anticipated.
Several outlets say Melissa could reach Category 5 near Jamaica.
Some forecasts predict a direct hit on Jamaica, while others emphasize a turn toward Cuba after Jamaica.
Atlantic Storm Impact Forecast
Beyond Jamaica, forecasters warn of impacts to eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos.
“...the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Cuba has issued hurricane watches and the U.S. Navy evacuated non-essential personnel from Guantanamo Bay.
Many outlets note this is an above-normal Atlantic season with Melissa as the 13th named storm.
While the Caribbean faces the brunt, the mainland U.S. is not expected to see significant direct impacts.