Tropical Storm Melissa has rapidly escalated into a hurricane and is on track to become a menacing Category 4 force. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has made it clear: this storm is positioned to unleash chaos across the Caribbean, bringing catastrophic floods, landslides, and storm surges that could devastate Jamaica and southern Hispaniola.
As of now, Hurricane Melissa is situated approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston and 250 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 90 mph. A hurricane warning has been issued for Jamaica, and a hurricane watch is in place for parts of Haiti and Cuba. There is no time to waste—preparedness is essential.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a clear call to action: citizens must be ready. He emphasized that “the entire Jamaica will be impacted” over multiple days. While he has advised residents of low-lying areas like Port Royal to evacuate, he has refrained from mandating an evacuation order, leaving the choice in the hands of the people.
Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, predicts Melissa will make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday, potentially lingering for five days. This is a storm of significant magnitude, with sustained winds ranging from 130 to 156 mph. Thompson warns: today is the last opportunity to prepare.
All across Jamaica, citizens are scrambling to stock up on supplies and secure their homes. Fishermen and vendors in Kingston are racing against the clock to ready their boats and sell their goods before the storm strikes. Local residents are anxious, aware that the slow movement of the storm complicates predictions and heightens uncertainty.
The National Hurricane Center forecasts an alarming 15 to 30 inches of rainfall in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with local maximums possibly reaching 40 inches. Eastern Cuba is also bracing for significant rains, expected to amount to between 6 to 12 inches.
The south coast of Jamaica is on alert for storm surges of up to 13 feet, coupled with destructive waves that could wreak havoc. Similarly, Cuba’s southeast coast is bracing for considerable storm surges early next week.
Local fisherman Clive Davis is taking the threat seriously as he prepares his boat, “Prince Daniel.” He reflects on the potential for damage, recalling the devastation inflicted by last year’s Hurricane Beryl. “This one wants to linger for three days—it’s bad for business, but we cannot fight nature,” he says, accurately summarizing the urgency of the situation.
In conclusion, with Hurricane Melissa fast approaching, the time for action is now. Citizens must heed the warnings and prepare for what may be an unprecedented weather event in the Caribbean. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay prepared.
