Hurricane Melissa is on a collision course with Jamaica, and forecasters are warning it could become a rare Category 5 storm. This powerful cyclone is expected to bring life-threatening flash floods and landslides to the island by Tuesday. Currently boasting winds of up to 120 mph (195 km/h), Melissa is tracking northwest through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) advises that the storm could bring significant power outages and infrastructure damage, with rainfall projections of up to 30 inches (76cm) and storm surges as high as 13ft (4m). Residents are urgently advised to seek shelter immediately.
This marks the 13th hurricane of the current Atlantic season, which typically concludes in November. A Category 5 hurricane signifies the most severe storms, with sustained winds of at least 157 mph (253 km/h). Although Melissa is predicted to slightly weaken to Category 4 before making landfall in Jamaica, the NHC stresses that the impacts will still be devastating, with the storm’s intensity remaining at a critical level.
Even before the hurricane’s center makes landfall, central Jamaica, including the capital Kingston, can expect tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall. The NHC urges that all preparations must be completed swiftly, warning of “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides” over several days. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has acknowledged the public’s anxiety, urging everyone to prioritize preparedness. Residents are strongly advised to secure their homes and stock up on essential supplies.
Similar warnings are in effect for parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, where similar conditions are anticipated by mid-next week. Tragically, landslides caused by the storm have already resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation’s Civil Protection agency.
Forecasters predict Melissa will move over Cuba by Wednesday before heading into the Atlantic. By the time it reaches Cuba, it is expected to have decreased to a Category 3 storm. While directly linking individual weather events to climate change is complex, scientists note that such phenomena are becoming more frequent and intense. Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to increased atmospheric moisture, fueling the development of hurricanes. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had previously predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, citing warmer sea temperatures and potential for stronger monsoon activity in West Africa, a common region for storm formation.