Hurricane Melissa Intensifies, Continues Deadly Path in the Caribbean

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

Hurricane Melissa Intensifies, Continues Deadly Path in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is bracing for Hurricane Melissa, which has intensified to a Category 4 storm. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported that Melissa is expected to upgrade to a Category 5 hurricane shortly. With maximum winds reaching 225 kilometers per hour, experts warn of catastrophic conditions in Jamaica in the coming days.

Impact on Jamaica and Hispaniola

Hurricane Melissa has already claimed four lives on Hispaniola—three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. One teenager is also reported missing. As of Sunday, the storm was located approximately 180 kilometers south of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, and is moving at a speed of 6 kilometers per hour, raising concerns about prolonged severe weather.

Casualties: 4 confirmed deaths on Hispaniola (3 in Haiti, 1 in the Dominican Republic)
Missing: 1 teenager
Location: 180 km south of Kingston, Jamaica
Wind speed: 225 km/h

Forecast and Expected Rainfall

Jamaica is at risk of receiving up to 1 meter of rainfall due to Hurricane Melissa. The weak forward speed of the storm raises fears that heavy rains and landslides could persist. Jamie Rhome, the NHC’s deputy director, emphasizes that residents may need to remain sheltered for two to three days.

Emergency Preparedness Measures

In anticipation of the storm, authorities have closed the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and maritime ports. Nine of the 31 provinces in the Dominican Republic are on red alert for risk of flash floods and landslides.

Recent Historical Context

The last major hurricane to impact Jamaica was Hurricane Beryl, which struck in July 2024. That storm also resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Experts point to climate change as a factor in the increasing intensity of storms, although it does not increase their frequency.

Residents in affected areas are advised to take shelter and prepare for severe conditions as Hurricane Melissa continues its deadly path through the Caribbean.