Jamaica Prepares for Hurricane Melissa, Expected to Reach Category 5

Jamaica is preparing for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa, which is anticipated to reach category 5 intensity. This powerful storm, which originated from a cluster of thunderstorms off the coast of West Africa, developed into a tropical depression and later became a tropical storm north of Venezuela on October 21. Over the weekend, Melissa intensified rapidly, reaching category 4 and slowly moving westward through the Caribbean Sea.

As of Monday night, Hurricane Melissa is projected to veer northeast towards Jamaica, making landfall by midday Tuesday. With peak winds of 160 mph (approximately 257 km/h), it will be among the strongest hurricanes ever recorded to hit Jamaica directly. The last major storm to reach such intensity was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which brought winds of 130 mph.

The storm’s slow movement, averaging just 5 mph over recent days, is expected to exacerbate the impact on Jamaica. Rainfall totals are forecasted to reach between 200-400 mm across the island by Tuesday evening, with localized amounts potentially exceeding 1,000 mm. For context, Kingston typically receives just over 800 mm of rainfall in an entire year, while cities like London and Paris average about 650 mm annually.

The US National Hurricane Center has issued warnings about the potential for “extensive infrastructure damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation of communities.” Residents face risks from life-threatening flash flooding, storm surges, and landslides as the storm approaches.

Impact on Jamaica and Surrounding Areas

In addition to Jamaica, southeastern Cuba is also expected to experience similar rainfall amounts starting late Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday. The situation is alarming, as the heavy rainfall combined with the storm’s strength poses significant risks to both lives and property.

As preparations are underway in Jamaica, emergency services are mobilizing resources and warning communities to evacuate where necessary. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of securing homes and heeding safety advisories.

On a different note, New Zealand has recently faced its own weather crises. Two powerful storms struck the country last week, with the second storm prompting rare red wind warnings due to gusts exceeding 90 mph in populated areas. Damage reports indicate roofs have been torn from buildings, and approximately 90,000 homes were left without power on Thursday. Several schools and businesses were closed as a precaution, while road and rail services experienced disruptions due to flooding and landslides.

The intensity of the storms was enough to overturn vehicles and cause significant damage to trees, leading to tragic incidents, including the death of a man struck by a falling branch in Wellington.

As the Caribbean braces for Hurricane Melissa, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing the impact of this formidable storm.