Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a Category 4 storm, is currently advancing towards Jamaica and Cuba, poised to unleash severe flooding, landslides, and storm surges across the region, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). With sustained winds reaching up to 140 miles per hour (220 kilometers per hour), Melissa is projected to intensify as it approaches Jamaica, expected to make landfall either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. The storm is forecasted to hit southeastern Cuba by late Tuesday.
Authorities in Jamaica have urged residents to seek shelter in nearly 900 designated locations throughout the country, offering assistance to those opting to evacuate. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Port Royal in Kingston and six other vulnerable areas. Desmond McKenzie, the minister of local government, cautioned about the imminent threat of flooding, emphasizing the low-lying nature of Kingston and the susceptibility of all communities to inundation.
In preparation for the storm, both international airports have been closed. Despite evacuation efforts, some residents have chosen to remain in their homes, with reports of individuals refusing to board evacuation buses. Douglas Butler, a local boat captain in Port Royal, expressed his decision to stay put and monitor the situation closely, highlighting the importance of having access to food during the crisis.
The NHC has warned that Melissa is poised to bring between 15 to 30 inches of rainfall to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with localized amounts potentially reaching up to 40 inches. Eastern Cuba is anticipated to receive between 10 to 15 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas seeing up to 20 inches. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister, confirmed that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency stands ready to provide assistance, with several international partners already pledging support in response to the unprecedented rainfall projections.