Hurricane Melissa Upgraded to Category 5 with Destructive Winds
Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm, posing a significant threat to several Caribbean nations. Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic face potential destruction from high winds and catastrophic flooding in the coming days. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a warning regarding the storm’s increasing intensity and the dangers it presents.
Current Situation of Hurricane Melissa
As of Monday, the NHC reported that Melissa’s winds have reached speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour. The storm is positioned approximately 205 kilometers south of Kingston, Jamaica, and 505 kilometers southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. The hurricane is expected to impact Jamaica this evening and continue towards southeastern Cuba by Tuesday night, with forecasts indicating it may reach the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday.
Impact and Warnings
- Casualties: Melissa has already claimed four lives, with three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where a teenager is reported missing.
- Flood Risks: Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are anticipated due to the slow speed of the storm, approximately 6 km/h. This movement may prolong the impacts of rain in affected areas.
- Evacuations: Residents in impacted regions are advised to shelter in place for two to three days, with some areas possibly remaining isolated due to flooding.
Damage Reports
Local residents are already experiencing distressing conditions. For instance, Angelita Francisco, a 66-year-old homemaker from Santo Domingo, described severe flooding in her home, expressing feelings of helplessness as she and her family prepared to evacuate.
Precautionary Measures
- Nine out of 31 provinces in the Dominican Republic are under red alert for flooding, rise in water levels, and landslides.
- In response to the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has announced its closure, along with the shutdown of maritime ports.
Future Projections and Historical Context
Hurricane Melissa is the 13th named storm of the current Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from early June to late November. Climate experts note that the warming ocean surface is contributing to the intensity of storms like Melissa, leading to more powerful cyclones but not necessarily an increase in their overall number.
The last major hurricane to affect Jamaica was Hurricane Beryl, which struck in July 2024. Beryl produced heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in four fatalities on the island. The situation surrounding Hurricane Melissa remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring developments.
