Hurricane Melissa Poised to Hit Jamaica with Unprecedented Force

Hurricane Melissa is on a path to devastate Jamaica as a historically powerful Category 5 hurricane, marking the fiercest storm to impact the island since records began 174 years ago.

The hurricane is projected to traverse the island diagonally, starting at St. Elizabeth parish in the south and moving northwards through St. Ann parish. Meteorologists have indicated this trajectory poses significant risk.

Prior to Melissa's arrival, Jamaican authorities announced they have exhausted all preparatory measures and cautioned residents about the potential for severe destruction.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness remarked on the sheer inability of local infrastructure to withstand the enormity of a Category 5 storm, emphasizing the post-event recovery efforts as the main challenge.

Already, reports of landslides and uprooted trees are emerging, alongside widespread power failures. Authorities warn that the clearing and damage evaluation will be a prolonged process.

Forecasts predict Jamaica will see between 15 and 30 inches of rain, with some areas possibly faced with up to 40 inches by Wednesday. Significant flash flooding and landslides are expected as part of these extreme weather conditions.

On the neighboring island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, known as Hispaniola, rainfall is expected to range from 6 to 12 inches. Heavy rain is also predicted for eastern Cuba, with some locations receiving up to 25 inches.

In addition, regions of the southeastern Bahamas could see accumulated rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, leading to potential flash floods.

Southern Jamaica braces for a storm surge potentially reaching 13 feet, sparking concerns particularly for coastal hospitals. Health officials, led by Minister Christopher Tufton, have taken precautions by moving some patients to higher floors.

The hurricane has already claimed seven lives across the Caribbean, affecting Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. There remains one person unaccounted for in the Dominican Republic.

Currently positioned about 135 miles southwest of Kingston and 310 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, Melissa boasts winds of 175 mph, significantly surpassing the 157 mph threshold for a maximum-strength hurricane.

Assuring the public of collaborative efforts, Evan Thompson from the Jamaica Meteorological Service urged solidarity as the country faces the storm’s impacts.

Colin Bogle, affiliated with Mercy Corps near Kingston, observed that despite evacuation orders for vulnerable areas, many residents are choosing to remain indoors.

Expressing the anxiety permeating the region, Bogle highlighted fears surrounding potential losses of homes and livelihoods.

Matthew Samuda, overseeing water and environmental concerns, advised citizens to ration water, highlighting over 50 generators ready for deployment post-storm.

Impact Beyond Jamaica

Melissa's impact is also forecasted to extend to eastern Cuba, where evacuation efforts aim to safeguard over 600,000 individuals, especially in Santiago, the country's second-most populous city.

In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Melissa continues to unleash severe conditions, while authorities maintain a tropical storm alert for Haiti.

The hurricane is set to shift direction post-Cuba, making its way towards the southeast Bahamas, with warnings already issued across the region.