Tropical Storm Melissa has intensified into a hurricane and is predicted to continue strengthening to at least Category 4, as reported by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The rapidly evolving storm is projected to cause significant damage across the Caribbean, particularly catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges, as it approaches Jamaica and southern Hispaniola next week.
Currently, Hurricane Melissa is located approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, and about 250 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Its maximum sustained winds have reached nearly 90 mph (150 km/h). Joint efforts by local authorities, including hurricane warnings for Jamaica and watches for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti and specific parts of Cuba, signify the serious nature of the storm’s approach.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to prepare thoroughly for the impending storm during a press briefing in Kingston, stressing that “the entire Jamaica will be impacted” for several days. Although no mandatory evacuation order has been issued, he recommended that individuals living in low-lying areas, such as Port Royal, consider evacuating. Meteorologist Evan Thompson noted the potential for Melissa to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 4 storm on Tuesday and to remain over the area for up to five days, with winds of 130 to 156 mph expected.
Throngs of residents are responding to the storm’s threat by gathering supplies and securing their homes. In Kingston, fishermen and vendors are making urgent preparations to protect their livelihoods ahead of the storm’s arrival. As Diane Thompson, a local vendor, expressed, there is deep apprehension about the storm’s potential impact, recalling the devastation of last year’s Hurricane Beryl.
The NHC indicates that Hurricane Melissa is currently advancing west at 3 mph (6 km/h), with projections of substantial rainfall between 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm) for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, and a possibility of localized maximums reaching up to 40 inches. The island’s southern coast may experience storm surges of up to 13 feet, compounded by strong, destructive waves. Eastern Cuba is also expected to receive significant rainfall, ranging from 6 to 12 inches, with local amounts potentially escalating to 18 inches.
Concerns of widespread devastation echo warnings from previous severe weather events across the region. These events underline the ongoing vulnerability of Caribbean nations to extreme weather, as communities grapple with preparedness measures. Local fishermen like Clive Davis are bracing for the worst, recalling the damage of past storms.
As preparations continue, there is a growing sense of unity and resilience among communities in the path of Hurricane Melissa. Residents are reminded of the importance of solidarity in tackling natural disasters, which have historically drawn communities together in times of crisis, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.
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