Jamaica Hurricane Melissa: Category 4 storm crawls toward island with life-threatening surge and catastrophic flooding risk

Jamaica Hurricane Melissa intensified to Category 4 on Sunday and is creeping toward the island at walking speed—an ominous setup that multiplies the dangers of storm surge, flash flooding and landslides. By late afternoon, the center was roughly 100–130 miles south to south-southeast of Kingston with sustained winds near 140 mph and higher gusts. A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica.

Timeline: when Jamaica will feel the worst of Hurricane Melissa

• Sunday night into Monday: Rapidly deteriorating conditions; outer bands deliver squalls, rising surf and periods of tropical-storm-force winds.

• Late Monday into Tuesday: Peak impact window. Core winds from a high-end major hurricane brush or cross the island.

• Tuesday night into Wednesday: Gradual exit toward eastern Cuba and then the southeastern Bahamas/Turks and Caicos, with hazardous conditions lingering behind the center.

Small wobbles in track will make a big difference locally. A track just offshore the south coast still drives destructive surge and extreme rainfall; a landfall scenario would compound wind damage and extend outages.

What Jamaica should expect from Hurricane Melissa

• Wind: Widespread devastating wind damage near the core. Even away from the eyewall, gusts can down trees and power lines for hours.

• Rainfall: 15–30 inches across large areas with isolated 40 inches on windward slopes—enough for catastrophic flash flooding and major landslides, especially in eastern and central parishes.

• Storm surge: 9–13 feet possible along vulnerable south and southeast coasts if the right-front quadrant nears shore, accompanied by large, destructive waves and severe coastal flooding.

• Duration: Forward motion near 3–5 mph means a long-duration event; hazards will persist well after the eye passes.

Highest-risk zones in Jamaica

• South & southeast coast (Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon): Greatest surge and wind exposure if the core tracks close to shore.

• Eastern parishes (St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary): Extreme rainfall and landslide risk due to terrain-enhanced downpours.

• Urban flood hotspots (e.g., Spanish Town; low-lying Kingston neighborhoods): Rapid inundation from overwhelmed drainage and filled gullies.

• River basins (Rio Cobre, Milk River, Black River): Swift rises; low-level crossings may become impassable or be washed out.

Immediate actions: last hours to prepare

If local officials advise relocation from surge or flood zones, move now—before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.

• Shelter plan: Know the nearest open shelter. Pack IDs, medications, water, non-perishables, infant needs, and essentials for 72 hours.

• Safe room: Choose an interior room on the lowest level, away from windows. Place helmets, sturdy shoes, flashlights, and a whistle there.

• Power & comms: Fully charge phones/power banks; enable emergency alerts; have battery lights ready.

• Home hardening: Clear drains and gutters; secure tanks, dishes, and loose items; move valuables above expected flood levels; park vehicles on high ground, nose-out.

• Medical & special needs: Refill prescriptions; coordinate assistance for elderly or mobility-limited neighbors now.

During the storm

• Stay inside and away from windows. Do not venture out during lulls unless authorities confirm it is safe—an eye passage can be followed by a violent reversal of wind.

• Avoid floodwaters. As little as 6–12 inches can sweep a person away; 18–24 inches can carry a vehicle.

• Electric & gas: If water begins entering living spaces, switch off main power if you can do so safely; report any gas odors immediately once lines are reachable.

After the core passes

• Hazards linger. Squalls, downed lines and debris continue for hours. River crests and landslides often peak after the worst winds.

• Safety first: Treat all lines as live; avoid standing water near electrical sources; photograph damage for insurance.

• Water & roads: Expect boil-water advisories, blocked corridors and curfews. Do not drive through flooded routes or across compromised bridges.

Why Hurricane Melissa is so dangerous

Melissa underwent rapid intensification—wind speeds jumped far more than the threshold for a rapidly strengthening system in 24 hours. The combination of very warm Caribbean waters, ample moisture, and favorable upper-level outflow supports a high-end major hurricane near Jamaica. Brief Category 5 surges can’t be ruled out prior to or near land interaction, though the practical difference from a top-tier Category 4 is small in terms of destructive potential.

Quick answers for “Jamaica hurricane Melissa”

• Is Jamaica under a hurricane warning? Yes.

• When will it hit? Worst impacts late Monday into Tuesday, with conditions worsening overnight.

• How high could surge be? 9–13 feet on exposed south-facing coasts, with large waves.

• How much rain? 15–30 inches, locally 40 inches—expect catastrophic flooding and landslides.

• Will airports and ports be affected? Yes—expect closures/suspensions, with gradual, conditions-based reopening.

A slow-moving Category 4 bearing down on mountainous terrain is a recipe for prolonged, life-threatening impacts. Heed all instructions, complete preparations now, and prioritize high ground and sturdy shelter.