Hurricane Melissa Becomes Major Threat for Jamaica and Haiti

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane, posing a significant risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica and southern Haiti. As of late Saturday night, the storm was located approximately 125 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. The slow-moving hurricane is expected to strengthen further, raising concerns among local officials and residents alike.

Officials have warned that Melissa could make landfall in Jamaica early next week, with forecasts predicting it will be near or over Cuba by the middle of the week. “I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously,” stated Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. He emphasized the need for residents to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their properties.

Potential Impact on Jamaica and Haiti

The National Hurricane Center has projected that Hurricane Melissa may drop up to 30 inches of rain in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, which includes both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This alarming forecast has prompted the Cuban government to issue a hurricane watch for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.

The storm’s slow progression has already resulted in fatalities, with at least three confirmed deaths in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, several others have sustained injuries due to structural collapses caused by the heavy rains. “Unfortunately for places along the projected path of this storm, it is increasingly dire,” noted Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the National Hurricane Center. The storm’s erratic movement has raised concerns about prolonged hazardous conditions.

Authorities in Jamaica have initiated preparations, closing the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston at 20:00 local time on Saturday. Over 650 emergency shelters have been activated across the island, with officials assuring that warehouses are stocked with essential supplies. Thousands of food packages have been prepositioned for rapid distribution if necessary.

Current Conditions and Warnings

Heavy rainfall has already led to rising river levels in Haiti, with reports of flooding and the destruction of a bridge in Sainte-Suzanne due to breached riverbanks. The Haitian department director of civil protection, Ronald Délice, expressed concern over the storm’s impact and the reluctance of many residents to evacuate their homes. Local authorities are working to distribute food kits to those affected.

In the Dominican Republic, the storm has damaged nearly 200 homes and disrupted water supply systems, impacting over half a million residents. The strong winds have also downed trees and traffic lights, leading to isolated communities due to floodwaters.

Looking ahead, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology has indicated that Hurricane Melissa could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to islands in the Southeast and Central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, by early next week.

Melissa marks the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had forecast an above-normal season, expecting between 13 to 18 named storms. As the situation develops, residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and take appropriate safety measures.