Tropical Storm Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, and is now forecast to strike Jamaica imminently, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced.
The powerful storm is expected to cause catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges across the Caribbean—particularly in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola—into early next week.
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As of early Monday, Melissa was located about 135 miles (220 km) southwest of Kingston and moving west at just 3 mph (5 km/h), according to the NHC. Its maximum sustained winds have reached approximately 160 mph (260 km/h), putting it well into Category 5 territory.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, with watches and warnings also covering parts of Haiti and eastern Cuba.
“I would urge all my fellow citizens—now is the time to be prepared,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, adding that “the entire Jamaica will be impacted” for multiple days. He advised people in vulnerable low-lying areas—such as Port Royal—to evacuate. Although earlier guidance was advisory, authorities have now moved to mandatory evacuations for several high-risk communities.
Evan Thompson, principal director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, warned that Melissa is expected to make landfall on Tuesday as a major hurricane and linger for several days—possibly five—making the slow movement especially dangerous.
Meanwhile, throughout Jamaica people are racing to secure homes, stock up on supplies, and move vessels out of harm’s way. Fisherman Clive Davis in Kingston prepared his boat, “Prince Daniel,” noting that Melissa may inflict far more damage than last year’s Hurricane Beryl. “But this now, she wants to come stay, visit Jamaica for three days… we can’t fight against nature,” he said.
The NHC warns that rainfall totals of up to 40 inches (1 metre) are possible in some areas of Jamaica, with widespread amounts between 15–30 inches (38–76 cm). Storm surge along Jamaica’s south coast may reach 13 feet (4 m) above ground level near landfall zones, accompanied by large and destructive waves.
In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the outer bands of Melissa have already caused fatalities and flooding; the human toll is mounting as the system approaches Jamaica.
